CMSA Parent Guide: Capturing the Moments That Matter

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Tips for Taking Great Soccer Photos of Your Player

At Crossfield Minor Soccer Association (CMSA), we love sharing the energy, excitement, and memories that happen on the field. Our posters, guides, social media posts, and more are better when your kids are featured.

Whether you're on the sideline with your smartphone or a camera, your pictures can help us show the heart of CMSA — and become treasured keepsakes for your family.

Your photos don’t just capture memories — they become part of the story we tell as a club. Parents like you are the eyes of our community. You help us celebrate the journey of every player, every team, and every season. You’re not just spectators — you’re storytellers.

Here’s a quick guide to help you take photos that are both CMSA-worthy and memory-making!

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What Makes a Great Soccer Photo?

1. Emotion Over Perfection

   Look for smiles, focus, celebration, high-fives, team huddles, or even a quiet moment of concentration. These emotions tell the real story of youth soccer.

2. Action, Not Just Poses

   Snap photos of your player dribbling, passing, chasing the ball, or making a save — even if they’re slightly blurred, they capture the energy of the game.

3. Candid, Not Staged

   Some of the best photos happen between the plays — a laugh with a teammate, a water break, a coach giving a high-five, or a player helping another up.

4. Include the Environment

   Capture the big picture too! A photo with the field, the goalposts, or the team banner in the background helps tell where the moment happened.

5. Team Spirit Moments

   Shots of the team warming up, cheering, or posing after a game are always welcome. These are great for year-end wrap-ups and club posters.

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Pro Tips for Better Photos

• Get Down Low - Crouch to the player’s height. It gives your photos a more powerful, player-centered feel.

• Use Burst Mode - Especially for action shots! You’ll get more frames to choose from.

• Zoom with Your Feet - If safe, walk closer rather than zooming in. It keeps image quality sharp.

• Watch the Background - A clean background (like the field or blue sky) makes your player pop.

• Lighting Is Key - Morning or late afternoon light gives photos a warm, natural glow. Avoid shooting into the sun.

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What We're Looking For at CMSA

We love photos that:

• Show diversity of players and teams

• Reflect fun, focus, and teamwork

• Feature CMSA red jerseys with black shorts/socks

• Include both girls and boys at play

• Highlight volunteers, coaches, and cheering parents

• Celebrate milestones (first goal, first game, team huddles, etc.)

Please avoid:

• Close-ups of players not wearing CMSA uniforms

• Photos of children from other clubs unless it’s a wide-angle action shot

• Images with visible logos of other organizations or sponsors not affiliated with CMSA

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Submitting Your Photos

Have a great photo? Share it with us!

📧 Email: crossfieldminorsoccer@gmail.com
📲 Tag us: @CrossfieldSoccer (Facebook, Instagram)
📌 Use hashtag: #CMSASoccerMoments

When sharing, please let us know:

• Your child’s first name and team

• The event or location

• That you give permission for CMSA to use it for club promotions

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You’re Part of the Story

Your photos help us showcase who we are — a club built on joy, learning, effort, and community.

You’re not just capturing a kick, a goal, or a smile. You’re helping write the visual story of CMSA — one memory at a time.

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"One day, these photos will be more than pictures — they’ll be proof of confidence gained, friendships made, and the joy of the game."- Duncan Hawkins, President, Crossfield Minor Soccer Association