[sclitheroe]

My kids played soccer for the first time this year, and for sure, if you want to know which side is winning in a no-score game, ask the kids - every single one knows.

Whether to reward for participation or not seems like a really black and white way to approach the topic, neither side of which seems very helpful to the participant, because it doesn't foster improvement either way, it concentrate on the end rather than the process.

What I found useful was to pick out one good play, something concrete that they can remember from during the game or event, and show approval for that.. "I like how you cut down the angle on defence", or "it was great that you had your head up on that shot you almost scored on". Similarly, you can point out, and commiserate, on the aspects of the game that they did poorly on.

When you point out something they did well on, its amazing to see how much they bear down on that aspect and repeat it, which is how they improve. Kids take enormous pride in improving, I think, and thats what needs to be stressed.