The following was taken from an article written by Andres Duarte of Athletico FC (Colombia) and published in the July/August issue of the NSCAA’s Soccer Journal
‘A collection of individuals exists when people are asked to work together. They tend to behave as individuals, stay in their comfort zones, do their own thing and avoid conflict.
As a group, people begin to clarify their goals, define their roles, establish their purpose, create rules and look for a leader who will be responsible for the communication of the group, provide direction, assign tasks and review performance. The leader in this case is the coach.
The goal in any organization is to become a balanced team. However, most teams get stuck in group mode. They expect outstanding results but that does not happen consistently. Further progression is needed to structure and create a team. Team members must have clarity of purpose and as a team share responsibilities and rewards. They must commit to goals, identify team values, make decisions and guide their actions accordingly, respond quickly to opportunities and embrace change. The team focuses on positive energy in all environments and team members are versatile when dealing with others. A team offers the opportunity for everyone to lead, therefore, the head coach and coaching staff share the work load.
So how do we feel about our clubs? How do we feel about our football’s governing body? Are they providing our children a positive and progressive environment in which they can grow and improve? Where is our football now? Has it improved after the appointment of a well paid technical director? Are you as a parent happy with the quality of coaching your child is receiving at club and national level? Are you as a coach happy with the direction of your national association? What are we doing to improve ourselves as coaches? Parents, what changes would you like to see to the structure of our football? Has the time come for us to form a coaches association so that we can become the change we want to see? Think about these things. We’d love to hear your opinions. Until next time. Bless.
Coach Pete
