The Coach

Coaching is a challenging task, not for the faint of heart. The job of a coach is to enable the athlete to achieve levels of performance to a degree that may not have been possible if left to his/her own endeavors. More simply, the role of the coach is to create the right conditions for learning to happen and to find ways of motivating the athletes.

Coach as a Facilitator

• Promotes fair play.
• Coordinates team practices.
• Encourages players to have proper rest and eating habits.
• Teaches the team proper warm-up/warm-down exercises.
• Presents team with pre-game strategies – ‘everybody on the team plays a role’.
• Works closely with the Assistant Coach, Manager and Parents.
• Gives players equal opportunities and equal time.
• Listens to the players. They will work best if we respect and encourage them.
• Politely but firmly restrains over-enthusiastic parents.
• Knows the rules of the game and passes that knowledge on to young players.
• Plans practice sessions and game plan (pre-game instructions, substitute system).
• Has an adequate supply of balls and equipment.
• Knows emergency procedures–ambulance telephone numbers, basic first aid.
• Is capable of working miracles on a regular basis.

Coach as a role model

• Demonstrates respect for team members, opponents, referees, parents, spectators, opposing coaches and the Laws of the Game.
• Is encouraging, enthusiastic and positive.
• Is on time for practices and games.

Knows who they are coaching

• Understands that children mature at different levels.
• Treats each person as an individual.
• Understands that not everyone participates for the same reason.

The Assistant Coach

Each coach should look for an assistant coach or co-coach to help with the above duties. He/she should be willing and available to take on coaching duties when the coach cannot make a game or practice. The assistant coach will work in cooperation with the coach.

 

Coaches are probably the most important part of a child’s experience in soccer. Their primary responsibility is to establish a healthy, positive team environment. When players are being challenged in a positive and constructive way, they have fun. When players enjoy themselves, they are more receptive to learning. This applies to both competitive and recreational soccer. The coaches are extremely important people in the soccer community and in exchange for striving to meet a high standard of performance, they deserve our ongoing thanks, support and respect. Most are grateful for parent participation, so all parents should find out how they can help with team duties.