Two Important Objectives of Every Youth Soccer Coach

Developing Solid Individuals

Part of the job of being a soccer coach is bringing structure to your players. In today’s world of hectic scheduling and busy parents, some kids may spend more time with their soccer coach at practice then their parents. In my opinion many of today’s youth need more structure in their lives, and soccer coaches (especially on competitive teams) are in a great place to provide it.

When I am discussing structure, what I am really trying to get at is having a plan for practice and a system that players follow. I essentially mean managing time and using it effectively, as well as teaching players respect for the game, their opponents, referees, spectators and more.

I just got finished spending an entire weekend volunteering as a Field Marshall at a local competitive tournament. During the weekend I came into contact with a number of different teams and players and I must tell you, the differences between teams and coaches as it related to respect and class varied greatly. Some coaches have control of their teams, and players remained respectful. Other coaches were at a loss for controlling players, as the "inmates were running the asylum," as the saying goes (literally, as this was a u-18/19 game).

It is hard to argue that as players get older, they tend to get a lot mouthier, a lot less respectful, and a lot harder to control, that is if their coaches let them get away with it. Some competitive coaches need to pay more attention to developing their players both on the soccer field and in the game of life. Instead of letting players act like prima donnas /smart mouths/punks, coaches should teach players that they are representing their league, club, town and ultimately their parents job raising them.
A lot of great youth soccer players have been treated by their coaches and their parents as if they were gods gift to the soccer world. No matter how good a soccer player is on the field, they are only as good as they are off of it. I have been around a lot of people over the years and the kids that showed these type of inclinations are destined to fail or face a serious attitude adjustment later on down the road.

Building a Team Consciousness

In competitive leagues, teams often stay together and play multiple seasons. This is often not the case with semi-competitive or recreation leagues, which makes it more difficult because your players have not necessarily played together in the past.
Building a team like atmosphere is important for the success of any soccer team and should be a priority for any coach. Players can learn best in a non-threatening and constructive environment where they will not be chastised or made fun of when they make a mistake. They will be most successful in a positive environment where they receive support from their coaches and peers.

I’ve found the best way to promote team play and to a certain extent friendship, is to force everyone to play together.

When you break off into small-sided drills, don’t let the kids pick the teams! Do it for them because you can split up “problems” and make sure the teams are fair. Force kids that don’t talk to each other much to play on the same team together. Eventually their relationship, and the team’s togetherness should improve.

Over the span of the season you will likely have a few conflicts between players. Players often attend the same schools, or have played together previously and come in with a prior relationship. Sometimes people don’t get along. Also, it is important to note that there is usually a pecking order among teenagers, especially boys.

As a coach, make sure this never manifests itself in practice. Do not let players criticize or pick on one another! If you notice any conflicts pull both boys aside, treat them as equals and make sure they squash it. Send them on a run together, and if one kid is picking on the other make sure that he knows that his actions are not tolerable. You want all of your players to feel comfortable when they come to practice because it will be more fun for them. If soccer is fun, they will more likely be able to learn and improve.
Team togetherness is arguably more important in soccer than any other sport. Do not underestimate its importance to your success as a head coach.