Choose one main question with the player
Start by asking which match situation the player wants to understand. They might be unsure where to move when a center back has the ball, why they feel rushed in midfield, or how to respond after losing possession. Write that question in ordinary language rather than trying to diagnose the answer.
A parent can suggest a pattern, but let the child add their perspective. The session will be more concrete if the player recognizes the question as relevant. Keep additional concerns in a short note so they do not crowd out the main topic before the conversation has begun.
Organize footage that shows the situation
Soccer Mentor’s website accepts a full match or 10–15 clips. Identify the player with shirt number, team colors, and position. If sending a full match, a short timestamp list can point to useful examples. If sending clips, keep enough buildup and aftermath to show the decisions around the key action.
Include ordinary and successful moments alongside difficult ones. Imagine preparing clips about receiving under pressure: a successful return pass and a failed turn can reveal different information and options. A collection containing only errors or spectacular highlights may give a less balanced view of the question.
Check access before the call
Confirm the preferred sharing method during scheduling and test that the intended recipient can open the footage. A link that works only while you are signed in may fail for someone else. Keep sharing limited to the appropriate people and use footage you are entitled to share.
Check the device, internet connection, audio, and meeting link. A larger screen can make surrounding players easier to see when available, but you do not need an elaborate setup. Choose a place where the child can hear and respond comfortably. Have a simple backup plan for contacting the mentor if a link or connection fails.
Give the player context without rehearsing answers
Explain that the session is a chance to understand situations, ask questions, and discuss choices. The child does not need to defend every mistake or know tactical terms in advance. Encourage honest answers, including not remembering a moment or being unsure what they saw.
For younger players, a parent or guardian can help with setup and join the session, as described on Soccer Mentor’s website. Agree on how much support the child wants. Try to avoid answering every question for them; their explanation is part of what makes individual mentoring useful.
Leave room to apply the focus afterward
Have a place to record the main focus points in the player’s own words. You do not need to transcribe the whole conversation. A useful note explains the situation, the cue to notice, and the next action to explore. Ask about any specific written deliverable beforehand rather than assuming it is included.
After the session, choose how the idea can connect to appropriate training or the next match. Later footage can help revisit the same question. The preparation is successful when it creates a clear, manageable conversation and a focus the child understands, not when the family produces a polished video presentation or a long list of corrections.
Prepare a focused mentoring session
Use these prompts to guide a coaching conversation. Adapt them to the player and team instructions.
Swipe across to view the full table →
| Preparation | What to provide | Ready when |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the question | One issue the player wants to discuss. | The player can explain why it matters. |
| Organize footage | Usable video, player identifier and relevant moments. | The lead-up and aftermath are visible. |
| Check access | Working video links and meeting setup. | Playback and the player can be seen and heard. |
| Plan follow-through | Space for a brief note after the session. | One focus can be carried into practice or a match. |
Key takeaways
- Let the player help choose the session’s main question.
- Identify the player and keep useful context in the footage.
- Check access and save a simple note of the next focus.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to make a highlight reel?
No. A mentoring session benefits from useful game context, including routine and difficult moments. A full match or the published selection of 10–15 clips can work. Clear identification and a focused question matter more than music, graphics, or a polished promotional edit.
What should we do if the footage link does not work?
Check permissions and confirm the preferred submission method before the session when possible. Contact the mentor through the agreed channel if access remains a problem. Avoid spending the entire call discovering that the file is available only to the account that uploaded it.
Should the parent or child lead the conversation?
The player should have room to explain their experience and questions, with parent support appropriate to age and comfort. A parent can help with logistics and context. Discuss the arrangement beforehand so the session does not become an adult conversation in which the child only listens.
Sources and further reading
- FIFA: Player-led learning and individual reflection: Prepare to discuss a personal learning focus.