Actress Ania Niedieck criticizes the rough tone of some parents at youth football pitches

She repeatedly hears sentences she considers inappropriate. As examples, she cited shouts like "Mann, schieß jetzt mal!" or "Bist du blind?". While no outright swear words are used, the tone is "extrem rau und grenzwertig".

Shouts on the sidelines: What parents say

In such moments, she just thinks: "Leute, beruhigt euch, das ist doch hier schließlich nur Kinderfußball", Niedieck said. The actress called on parents to be more relaxed. It's about the children's fun, not about pressure to perform.

She herself only became enthusiastic about football late in life. "Ich war eigentlich immer nur der klassische WM- und EM-Gucker und habe mich nie wirklich für Fußball interessiert", Niedieck said. In the meantime, however, she is deeper into the sport than she ever imagined: "Mittlerweile stecke ich viel tiefer im Fußballgame, als ich es mir jemals hätte träumen lassen".

In the car, her daughter now puts her to the test. "Wenn wir im Auto sitzen, fordert sie mich auf, meine Lieblingsspieler auf dem linken Außenfeld oder dem rechten Flügel von eins bis fünf zu ranken", the actress reported.

Podcast and series work

"Auch wenn ich es mit den Regeln selbst noch nicht immer ganz perfekt habe, macht es einfach unglaublich Spaß, ihr dabei zuzusehen", the 42-year-old added. She therefore sees herself as a kind of "Fußball-Mutter wider Willen" – things have changed a great deal in that regard.

In addition to her television work, Niedieck runs the podcast "Blondie Spritz" together with presenter Phil Pauls. In the format, the two discuss private and professional topics. With her role in "Alles was zählt", she has been part of the regular ensemble of the daily series for more than 15 years.

Debate over the tone on the sidelines

Niedieck's criticism is part of a debate that has been ongoing for years about the behavior of parents in youth football. Associations and clubs regularly campaign for more respect on the sidelines. The actress stressed that with her words she primarily wanted to call for reflection – and take the pressure off the children.

The RTL series "Alles was zählt" is produced in Cologne and airs weekdays in the broadcaster's early evening slot. Niedieck has been part of the cast since the series launched in 2010 and is well known to a broad audience.