Coaching involves more than designing plays for free kicks or creating team formations. Coaching, especially at the youth level, involves accepting a huge responsibility as you are basically in a position of trust as parents put their kids in your care. The youth soccer coach wears many hats.
Here are some of the requirements of the job:
Communicate Positively
Being able to communicate with players, parents, coaching staff, officials, and administrators is a critical part of the job. Communicate in a positive way that shows you have the best interest in the players' welfare.
Teach Soccer Rules
Introduce soccer rules and incorporate them into your instruction. Many rules can be taught in the first practice, during the course of game like activities and small-sided games. Review the rules any time an opportunity arises in practice.
Direct Players in Games
Game day direction includes figuring out a starting lineup and a substitute plan, relating to officials, opposing coaches and players in an appropriate manner, and making good tactical decisions during games. The focus is not winning at all costs but rather on teaching kids to compete well and do their best while winning within the rules.
Help Players Become Fit
Young players need to have an understanding of fitness so that they can play soccer successfully and safely. Children don't think much about fitness, but they should be introduced to its value and the need to become and stay fit on their own. Don't make them do push-ups or run laps for punishment. Getting fit for soccer should be fun. By making it fun to play the game they'll develop good fitness habits for their lifetime.
Provide a Safe Environment
Soccer is a risky game to some extent, but as a person coaching youth soccer you're responsible for regularly inspecting the practice, game fields, and equipment to ensure they're in working order. Let players and parents know that they'll learn the safest techniques and that you'll have an emergency action plan to follow should an injury occur.
Help Kids Develop Character
Character development includes learning, caring, being honest and respectful, and taking responsibility. Teach these values to players by demonstrating good behaviors yourself. Help them understand that they should try to win the battle on every play even though they might not be recognized for their efforts.
Every player is an individual. Provide a wholesome environment so that each one has the chance to learn how to play the game without fear and while having fun.
Coaches are essential to the game. They teach children soccer skills and help develop a healthy, positive attitude, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coaching is a rewarding experience because you have the opportunity to build a child’s self-esteem, help them learn new skills and just have a lot of fun.
Strathroy United FC has governed, fostered and promoted the game of soccer to Strathroy and area children since 1961. Looking back over the course of these years, Strathroy United FC realizes that the lifeblood of our organization has been, and remains, the dedication of the many volunteers, the parents, and especially the tremendous support received from the businesses and industries, whom without, we could not exist.
Strathroy United FC is a Family Affair. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the SUFC... WELCOME TO THE FAMILY. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at [email protected]
Yours in soccer,
The Technical Commitee
Strathroy United FC