evolution of the mental aspect of the youth players as they grow older sometimes creates significant
problems for the youth coaches. The influence of parents and the outside pressure can be challenging. As a result, some coaches will give up prematurely. We need to avoid this as we need so many coaches at all levels. However, remember in order to be successful with children and youth coaching it is absolutely necessary to love the children, to be happy when you are with them, to be happy to see their improvement and to be proud of their accomplishments. Every coach needs to work to improve to try to “deliver the goods”. We could and should never finish learning. When somebody believes he knows everything he begins to regress as a coach. Experience, football knowledge, passion, humility, love for coaching and desire to improve are the most important attributes of a coach.
All that was written by Jacques Crevoisier and I carried those words in my head and heart as I worked the Skillz N Drillz camp at the Devonshire Rec. during the month of August.
At times you can get so caught up in the game itself that you forget that your role as ‘coach’ involves so much more than football.
Like it or not, to your young players you are an educator, a role model, in some cases a father figure and very often the most positive male influence in his life.
As coaches we must take our responsibility seriously and show our young people not only how to play the game but valuable life skills that so many of us seem to be lacking.
Teach them the importance of making time by being prepared and having your drills set and ready to go when they arrive. Show them respect and they will be respectful. Be polite and they will respond with good manners.
Being a coach is so much more than the game of football, it is the game of life.
Keep up the good work coaches. Coach Pete
