When coaching youth soccer, we keep hearing about keeping the players and their parents informed about what you expect from them as a coach and what they can expect from you.
But what is it that youth soccer players expect from their coach to develop their skills and grow as great players? It can help you a great deal to know this, as it will determine the success of your training sessions and planning.
- Being Sensitive
Youth players need as much respect as you expect from them as a youth soccer coach. They would like you to appreciate their thoughts and views instead of just being told what to do. Young players like coaches who are kind, tolerant and considerate. A sense of humor is mandatory.
- Being Knowledgeable And Authoritative
Your players want you to be someone who has played the game and has a very good knowledge of it because it makes you more believable to them so that they can look up to you. They prefer someone who is supportive, but firm.
- Being Reactive
With young players, it is very important to take notice when they do something well but not go overboard with the praise. If they perform badly, they need you to restore faith in themselves with suggestions of how they can improve rather than be pulled up for it in the presence of their team. They also enjoy it when you cheer them from the side when they play the game on the soccer field.
- Being Dependable
A coach is expected to coach his team players. Very young players are happy to leave the decision making to the coach, as they trust him to do the right thing. When they are older, they enjoy being participative.
- Being A Good Manager
Good managers are good organizers and children expect coaches to show this quality when they design their soccer practice games. The coach must make himself accountable for ensuring that the players are at the proper location at the appropriate time.
- Being A Good Teacher
Youth players look up to their coach to teach them and point out when they need to improve. A coach who is a good teacher will tell his students that it is okay to make mistakes in the learning process.
While coaching youth soccer players, remember individual abilities while setting goals. Showing appreciation wherever due is vital. Youth players need to focus on confidence building and skills, not competition.
