As the parent of two young Mexican-American football players competing professionally in Europe. We have walked the winding, often unpredictable road of raising aspiring athletes. We have watched two boys -and a girl- chase a shared dream across cities, states, and continents. And, if there’s one truth we have learned along the way, it is that talent is just the beginning.
Natural ability on and off the ball matters a lot, but talent alone is never enough to reach the professional level. If you are a parent supporting a young football player with big dreams (who isn’t?), there are critical traits often unseen on the stat sheet that are just as important, if not more so, than raw skill.
Let me walk you through some key traits that make the difference between good, and better, and how you as a parent, can help nurture them. These traits apply to many sports. In fact, they apply to many walks of life.
Growth Mindset: Belief that ability can improve
Kids who believe that abilities can be developed (rather than fixed) are more likely to seek challenges and persist through difficulties. Those who are disciplined to enhance existing abilities and develop new ones have a greater chance of success. A few years ago, during COVID, I wrote this article about a growth mindset and GRIT. It is still very valid…
How parents can help: Avoid labeling your child as a “natural” or saying they were “born talented”. Instead, say thinks like, “You worked hard on that move” or “Your improvement in passing really shows your dedication.”.
Resilience: The art of bouncing back
Lack of playing time, injury, cuts from teams, and bad performances are all part of the journey. What separates those who make it from those who do not is the ability to bounce back: resilience.
How parents can help: Do not shield your child from failures; help them process it. Encourage honest reflection and foster a home environment where setbacks are viewed as learning experiences, not the end of the road.
Grit: The power of passion + perseverance
Coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, “grit” is a blend of sustained passion and long-term effort. Gritty players keep pushing when the initial motivation fades (ex. during cold practices, bench time, and long travel days).
How parents can help: Praise effort, not just results. Celebrate the process and remind your child that every hour on the pitch (even the tough ones) is an investment in their in their dream.
Perseverance: Sticking with it, even when it’s hard
This goes hand-in-hand with grit. Whether it’s staying motivated through long seasons, navigating coaching changes, or being away from home, perseverance is key.
How parents can help: Offer emotional consistency. Your child needs to know that your love and support don’t depend on performance. Let your home be their anchor.
Passion: The internal drive that fuels the fire
You can’t fake passion. Kids who truly love the game will play when no one’s watching (integrity), train when no one asks, and watch matches with intent to learn.
How parents can help: Don’t force the dream. Let your child lead the way. Your role is to support their passion, not to manufacture it.
Sacrifice: Giving up to go up
Becoming a professional footballer requires difficult choices. Social events, free time, and even traditional schooling paths might need to be adjusted to support elite training and competition.
How parents can help: Model sacrifice in your own life and frame it positively. Teach your child to value long-term goals over short-term pleasures. Make sure the sacrifices align with their dreams and not just yours.
Adaptability: Thriving in constant change
A pro football journey is short and often means new teams, new coaches, new countries, and new languages. Adaptability is what keeps players steady in the face of uncertainty.
How parents can help: Encourage independence from an early age. Let your child handle adversity and discomfort. International tournaments, cultural exchanges, or short stints away from home can be powerful preparation.
Coachability: Willingness to learn and change
Even the most gifted players will not succeed without taking feedback and applying it. Humility and openness to learning are crucial.
How parents can help: Model a growth-oriented attitude toward learning in your own life. Encourage respectful relationships with coaches. Help your child reflect after games or sessions, rather than rushing in with critiques.
The Journey is Yours
As a parent, your role isn’t to scout the perfect club, hire the best trainer, or push your child harder. Your job is to guide, support , believe and to help your child develop the traits that will serve them not only in football but in life.
Professional football is a narrow path, but it is NOT reserved for the most naturally gifted. It is open to those who are relentless, resilient, disciplined, and ready for the long haul. Help your child become one of them.
Please reach out if you have topics you would like us to expand on. #theGomezway
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