Football Parents

Synopsis

Football Parents (original title: Voetbalouders) is a compelling 2025 television series starring Ilse Warringa that dives into the high-pressure world surrounding youth football. Set against the backdrop of a small Dutch town, the show explores the lives of parents who are deeply invested in their children's athletic endeavors, revealing the complex emotions, rivalries, and sacrifices that come with supporting young athletes. Through a blend of drama and subtle humor, Football Parents offers a nuanced portrayal of ambition, parental expectations, and the impact on family dynamics. The series sheds light on the often unseen personal challenges behind competitive youth sports, creating a relatable and thought-provoking narrative for viewers of all ages.

Cast

• 

  Ilse Warringa

  Marenka

• 

  Eva van Gessel

  Lillian

• 

  Bas Hoeflaak

  Coach Jacco

• 

  Rian Gerritsen

  Miranda

• 

  Gürkan Küçüksentürk

  Trainer Yusuf

• 

  Edwin Jonker

  Ramdane Ramdin

Reviews

Football Parents has garnered generally positive reviews from critics, with an average rating of 7.5/10 on IMDb and a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of mid-2025. Critics have praised Ilse Warringa's nuanced performance, highlighting how her portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the show’s exploration of parental pressures. Variety lauded the series for its 'honest and engaging depiction of modern family dynamics within the competitive sports arena,' emphasizing its ability to balance drama with moments of warmth and humor. Meanwhile, The Guardian appreciated the show's 'fresh perspective on youth sports, focusing more on the emotional toll than on the games themselves.' However, some reviewers noted pacing issues; Metacritic's aggregated score of 69 pointed out that while the narrative is compelling, certain episodes feel uneven in tone. Additionally, a few critics mentioned that some supporting characters could have been more fully developed. Overall, Football Parents is considered a thought-provoking and relatable drama that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and general audiences alike.