It’s been a while since updating our blog. Covid and life intervened but now we’re here. Working with our players is a privilege and they’ve reminded us about quite a few things over the past few weeks.
First, kids like to have fun. They are willing to work hard when they are motivated and believe in their trainers. Players don’t like being bullied or continually punished by their coaches. There is a. Ig difference between being stern and being punitive. Unfortunately, many of our players have experienced many punitive coaching experiences.
I believe many coaches and parents lose sight of their role in youth development
First, it should always be about the players, not the coach’s ego. Everyone wants to win, but the coach’s job is to develop players. If a coach is only about winning, they should stop coaching youth and get on the field themselves.
Second, coaches should always be a positive role model for their players. There are times when a coach needs to be stern but a great coach, who has the respect of his players, doesn’t need to berate and use punishment as the first option. A coach needs to model the behavior he wants in his players. If he can’t control himself, he’s already lost.
Third, there are some great coaches who work hard to improve their knowledge and get additional coaching training. They know that they can always improve their coaching skill sets. These coaches not only develop youth players but they help develop better people.
Fourth, parents should be support for their child, not an “attack dog” against other players. Build your child up. Remember a high tide lifts all boats. Never make derogatory comments about other players and the coach. There are many teams and coaches. Find the right one for your child, remembering the coach is there for the entire team, not solely your child.
Fifth, not every player is going to be great A parent needs to be honest about where their player stands in the hierarchy of the age group. A D2 player is not as good as a P1 or ECNL player. It doesn’t mean they can’t be, it means that at this time they are not. Putting in extra training and the willingness to give up some things, because the player is passionate about the game, will help a player develop faster. These things need to be intrinsic from the player, not the parent.
Remember soccer is a game. It’s a microcosm of life. As a parent it’s your job to see that your child is becoming a better soccer player and person. If both things are not happening simultaneously, then find out why and act on your findings.
Kids are only kids for a short time. Soccer is not their job. It’s supposed to be fun and if there is more negative than positive from the the coach and the parents, then it’s no longer enjoyable and your player will quit. Be supportive and your player will thrive.