Scott Sellars
Former Technical Director and Head of Academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Former Academy manager and Head of coaching at Manchester City.
Former professional footballer with Leeds United, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, AGF Aarhus, Huddersfield Town and Mansfield Town. A combination of over 500 professional appearances.
How would you define a parent’s role within the youth sports environment?
To be a parent, support, encourage, and listen but be realistic about your son/daughter’s ability.
“Not many make it to the professional level.”
What are the benefits of embracing parental involvement in youth sports?
You have to involve parents in the plans and objectives for their child. They will talk more to their parent than you so you have to be consistent in what you are communicating. The parents are even more important than the coach in the overall development.
How have you as a coach/club attempted to increase parental involvement?
I think seminars are the most important, give the parents all the information and an opportunity to ask questions if needed.
What challenges have you faced in attempting to increase the level of parental involvement?
The real challenges come when there is mistrust between parent/coach/club.
Have you seen any difference in players when parental involvement is embraced not neglected and/or ignored?
I think no communication or silence is very dangerous when not embracing the parent involvement.
What advice would you give coaches who are unsure and/or afraid about increasing parental involvement within youth sports?
Talk to them (Parents) give them all the relevant information and create a relationship.
For those parents unaware of their influential role within youth sports, what advice would you give them?
Earlier support and love your child but be realistic.
Thank you to Scott Sellars for taking the time to complete the following interview questions.
