I would be careful about using “starting” as the reward.
At U9, children can quickly turn the first five into a status group, even if everybody eventually gets similar minutes. That can create more anxiety than the attendance problem solves.
Training attendance still matters. I would address it directly with families and explain why consistent training benefits the child and the group.
If two players are equally available and one has attended regularly, I understand why a coach might naturally start that player. But I would not make a public rule that missing training means you are a substitute.
The child may have no control over the absence.
Better to keep selection low-status and use attendance expectations as an adult conversation.
You want families to value training because it helps players learn and belong, not because the child fears losing the prestige of starting.
