Dedication and Parental Support

At Kings Hammer, we believe the environment around the player is just as important as the training sessions themselves. Last week I shared a note with our families about the role parents play in creating a positive game-day experience. If you missed it, you can check it out here. The message is simple: coaches coach, players play, and parents support. When each of us leans into our role, players are free to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. This is how we create the best environment for each individual.

As we kick off the fall season and competition ramps up, we want to be known for having a firm three-legged stool of support: the club, the player, and the family. Each carries the weight of development together, standing firm with all the tools needed to succeed. I challenge everyone to use the Levels of Dedication Jou r nal (also available in your PlayMetrics account under Club Resources) as a guide. It was created to give families and players the tools to dig deeper and elevate growth not only on the field but also off it. This week, I encourage you to sit down with your kids, or for older players take ownership yourselves, and set aside time after training or games to reflect. Players can rate themselves in the journal, and parents can join the conversation by asking questions and listening. These small moments help keep growth at the center of the journey.

The journal focuses on four key areas of dedication:

Teachable – being open to instruction and feedback.
Vocal – using their voice to encourage and support teammates.
Physical – giving maximum effort in each drill and moment.
Emotional – showing selflessness, resilience, and a team-first mentality.

When players are self-reflective in these areas, they become like sponges, soaking up lessons from every practice, game, and challenge. Instead of focusing on wins or stats, try asking, “How teachable were you today?” or “How did you show emotional dedication for your team?” These conversations build habits that last far beyond one season and strengthen each leg of the stool, all pointing toward the vision of full individual development.

Together, with coaches guiding, players striving, and families supporting in the right way, we can create an environment where every player thrives.

As always, I look forward to being out on the fields, seeing our players, coaches, and teams representing. Go Kings Hammer!

– Bronson Gambale, KH National Technical Director