Why coaching kids soccer is so hard!

Andrew Hemingway - Friday, August 29, 2008

Coaching kids soccer is such a hard job! There are parents always watching and criticizing every move you make, there are league administrators always on you with new rules, and switch fields, and canceled games etc. This is not an easy job, and throw in that you are not being paid!! Most volunteer coaching do it because they 1) love the game that much, or 2) love a player that much. Both are great reasons to volunteer to coach, and both come with great rewards. I want to give you 3 tips to ensure you best coaching season ever

1. Change your attitude!- I know you just left the post right?? Seriously so much of what happens to us can be controlled through our attitude. You are providing an amazing service to these children. You step in as a mentor for those few hours a week that you have these kids. and you can impact their lives with a few simple words, or just your positive attitude. If all they ever hear from you is complaining about this or that, than you potential impact is much lower than it could be. 
2. Be Prepared!- There is an old saying that goes like this " failure to prepare is preparing to fail" This is never more true than when coaching kids soccer.Make sure you have plenty of soccer drills. You can never have enough drills going  into a season, and to have resources at your finger tips is absolutely essential. Organizations life www.ussoccer.org, and the www.Usyouthsoccer.com are good resources, but there are several other resources available like www.pillsdrills.tv, www.completesoccercoach.com ( shameless self promotion) and others. Take a look around and be prepared!
3. Have fun!- I know over used and underdelivered. Really Coaches have some fun! Everytihg in life is demanding now on kids, and to have a place where they can learn, and have fun is what this sport is all about!

Go out and have the best season of your life!!