⚽ Enjoy the Time You Have It’s easy to get caught up in the rush. The next tournament. The next tryout. The next level. But in chasing what’s next, we sometimes forget what’s now. These moments — the rides home, the muddy cleats, the laughter in the backyard — they’re the heartbeat of youth sports. They’re the moments that shape not just players, but people. Our kids don’t need us to predict their future. They need us to be present in their journey. Trust the process. Let them fall in love with the game their way — not ours. Because what they’ll remember most isn’t the score. It’s that you were there — cheering, believing, and letting them grow. Live abundantly in this stage. Because one day, the car rides end, the fields get quieter… and you’ll realize how special this time really was. As parents, we all want the best for our kids. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is slow down — and enjoy the journey right alongside them. Here are a few simple ways to make that happen 👇 1️⃣ Be where your feet are. Put the phone down. Watch practice. Notice the small things. The moments of effort, the friendships forming, the smile after a great touch. Presence builds connection. 2️⃣ Celebrate effort, not outcome. After games, highlight the moments of hustle, teamwork, or composure. Not just the goals or results. Kids feel seen when we value their growth, not just their performance. 3️⃣ Trust their timeline. Every player blooms differently. Avoid comparing their progress to others. The slow, steady growth is often the most lasting. 4️⃣ Make the car ride home a safe place. Ask open questions like, “What did you enjoy most today?” instead of giving instant feedback. Let them own their experience. 5️⃣ Play more, pressure less. Encourage them to grab a ball and just play. Backyard games, driveway dribbles — that’s where love for the game grows. 6️⃣ Remember — it’s THEIR journey. You’ve had yours. This one belongs to them. Guide, support, and cheer. But let them write their own story.

We’re Not Supposed to Be Perfect Let’s be honest — parenting through youth sports is emotional. We all want the best for our kids, and sometimes that passion comes out in ways we don’t intend. We’re not supposed to be perfect. What matters most is being aware — being conscious of when to speak, when to step back, and how our tone shapes the moment. Every child is different. Some kids thrive under pressure. Others, like my own, start to feel the weight of our expectations long before they’re ready to carry it. It took me time to realize that my son didn’t need me to coach him harder — he needed me to believe in him quietly. Awareness doesn’t mean we stop caring. It means we learn to care better. “Our growth as parents is just as important as their growth as players.” — Coach Lucas Sabedra Love the Game Soccer

Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of young athletes and families across Northwest Indiana and beyond. What I’ve learned is that soccer — and youth sports in general — is about so much more than wins, losses, and scholarships. It’s about development. It’s about helping our kids build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game. But somewhere along the way, many of us — coaches and parents alike — have felt the growing weight of pressure: the pay-to-play systems, the car ride critiques, the constant comparison to others. I believe it’s time for a reset. That’s why I’m starting a new conversation — one rooted in connection over correction, patience over pressure, and love over results. Together, I want us to explore a developmental mindset for parenting and coaching. One that embraces the long car rides, the tough losses, the quiet moments, and the joy of watching our kids grow into confident, passionate young people. This is an invitation to every parent, coach, and supporter who believes that the journey matters just as much as the scoreboard. Let’s change the way we raise our kids through sports — one conversation, one reflection, and one game at a time. “The car ride home should feel like love, not analysis.” — Coach Lucas Sabedra

This message isn’t just for parents — it’s for me too. I’ve been that dad on the sideline. I’ve said things I thought were helping. I believed that if I pushed a little harder, corrected a little more, it would make my son better. But what I started to notice was different. Every time he made a mistake, he’d look over at me — instantly. His shoulders would tighten, his body language would change. And that’s when it hit me… he wasn’t thinking about the game anymore. He was thinking about me. I realized that my tone — even more than my words — could shrink his confidence or give him freedom. And at seven years old, he didn’t need a sideline critic. He needed a dad who believed in him, win or lose. Since stepping back, I’ve seen a different kid. He plays freely. He smiles more. He competes with joy again. And it reminded me that growth isn’t just about the players — it’s about us as parents too. We’re practicing right beside them. Learning patience, awareness, and connection. — Coach Lucas Love the Game Soccer https://www.skool.com/love-the-game-soccer-3915/about?ref=93886bacd2024f8d894bd2c4b75aaad3

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