Few things tug at a parent’s heart more than watching your child work hard – and still not make the team.

Whether it’s soccer, lacrosse, basketball, or volleyball, being cut can feel like a huge blow to a young athlete. And honestly? It can sting for parents too. You’ve watched them practice, hustle and show up – so hearing “no” feels unfair, disappointing and emotional for everyone.

The good news is this – getting cut doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With the right support, it can become a turning point that builds resilience, confidence and long-term motivation.

Here are five ways to help your child bounce back from getting cut from a sports team.

1. Start With a Hug (Not a Speech)

When kids are hurting, they don’t always need advice right away – they need comfort. You may feel angry at the coach, frustrated with the system or crushed for your child. But before you try to “fix” it, offer a hug or simply sit beside them. A calm presence can do more than the perfect words ever could.

When you do talk, keep it simple: “I’m proud of you. I know this hurts.”

That alone can help them feel safe and supported.

2. Help Them Find the Silver Lining

As much as youth sports benefit kids, the flipside is that they can be intense and lead to burnout – especially in today’s year-round youth sports culture. Studies have found that 70 percent of kids quit organized sports by age 13, often fueled by disappointment in always having to play in a performance-focused environment. 

While no one wants to hear “everything happens for a reason” right after a disappointment, after the initial emotions settle, it can help to gently point out some positives. Not having to attend practices gives kids the opportunity to try a new activity, join a club, and spend more time with family and friends.

Sometimes a break can be exactly what they need.

3. Remind Them That it is Okay Not to Be the Best

This is a tough one, because kids often believe being “good” means being the top player. But here’s the truth – most athletes hit a point where competition gets harder. Not making the team doesn’t mean your child isn’t talented – it just means they’re being challenged.

There are plenty of opportunities for your child to play the sport they love at a lower level – a rec league or lower-level club teams. Playing at a slightly lower level can be a confidence boost, giving kids the chance to develop skills, get more playing time, meet new friends and become a leader.  

4. Help Them Keeps Sports in Perspective

Today’s youth sports culture has many coaches pushing kids to train like professional athletes at younger and younger ages. From private coaching, travel teams, and constant practices, it’s easy for youth sports to start feeling like a full-time job. 

But kids aren’t professional athletes, and that culture can impact your child’s mental health. Help them find balance to support their overall well-being by encouraging them to spend time with friends, continue being active, doing a hobby, and getting outdoors. 

5. Give Them Space – and Be There to Listen 

After a disappointment, some kids want to talk right away. Others want to shut their bedroom door and be alone for a while. Both reactions are normal.

Give your child a little breathing room, and when they’re ready, let them vent. They may be frustrated, embarrassed, jealous or angry. They might even say things that surprise you. Your job isn’t to solve the problem – it’s to listen without judgment. Feeling heard helps kids process emotions and move forward.

This Isn’t the End

Getting cut hurts, no question. But it can also be a powerful life lesson – one that teaches resilience, grit and how to handle setbacks with confidence.

With your support, your child can learn that one team’s decision doesn’t define them. And who knows? This might be the moment that fuels their comeback – or helps them find a new passion.