How to Get Started Coaching Youth Soccer
Coaching a youth soccer team can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. At this age, players are learning the basics of the sport, but they also have plenty of energy and excitement to bring to the field. To make the most of their skills and enthusiasm, it’s important to have a well-planned and organized practice that includes a variety of drills and activities to keep them engaged and focused.
Getting Signed Up
In order to get started you’ll need to find a team and get designated as their coach. Depending on why you’re getting started this may be easier or harder. For example, if you want to coach your kids’ team, they might ask parents to sign up to be a coach during player registration. If you don’t have kids who are playing you might have to look a little harder.
Determine the requirements
Once you’ve identified the local soccer organization or league in your area, check with them to find out the specific requirements for becoming a coach. Some organizations may require you to pass a background check or obtain certain certifications, such as a coaching license.
Complete the necessary training
Many youth soccer organizations offer coaching courses and clinics that cover topics such as coaching techniques, player safety, and team management. Check with your local organization to find out what training opportunities are available and which ones are required for coaching.
Register with the organization
Once you have completed the required training and met any other requirements, you may still need to register with the local soccer organization or league. This typically involves filling out an application, providing proof of any certifications or training you have completed, and paying any necessary fees.
Find a team to coach
If you are not already connected with a team, you can work with the local organization or league to find out if there are any teams in need of a coach. You can also network with parents and other coaches to find out if there are any opportunities available.
Prepare for the season
Once you have been assigned a team, you will need to prepare for the season by developing practice plans, organizing team meetings, and getting to know your players. It can also be helpful to attend coaching clinics or workshops throughout the season to continue improving your coaching skills.
Tips for Structuring Practice
Congratulations, you found a team to coach! Now you’re going to have to run practices. Here are ten tips to help you coach a great youth soccer practice.
1) Come with a plan… and a backup plan
Before you show up make sure you’ve done a little planning. Have a few warm-ups in mind as well as some drills. It’s important to have more than you think you’ll need because you never know how the kids will react. If the drill is too advanced, or some of them simply aren’t paying attention, if you have others in your back pocket then you can quickly pivot.
2) Start with a warm-up
Before jumping into drills and scrimmages, start each practice with a warm-up. While at this age injuries are less common, getting used to warm-ups now will make it part of the routine for them as they get older and more susceptible to injury. It’ll also get the kids’ hearts pumping and help them focus better on the practice. A good warm-up might include running a few laps across the field and back, some jumping jacks, and then stretching exercises.
3) Focus on basic skills
At this age players are still developing their skills. It’s important to emphasize the basics and not focus too much on game strategy or complex dribbling techniques. This means focusing on dribbling, passing, and shooting. Start with simple drills and progress to more challenging exercises in later seasons as the players’ skills improve.
4) Mix it up with fun drills
Kids get bored quickly and no kid wants to do the same drills time after time. It’s important to keep the players engaged and having fun. Mix up the drills and consider sprinkling in some fun activities such as relay races or games that incorporate the skills they’re learning. This will help keep them motivated and make the practice feel less like work.
5) Encourage teamwork
Soccer is a team sport, and it’s important to encourage players to work together. Incorporate drills and activities that focus on teamwork, such as passing drills or small-sided games that require players to work together.
6) Provide positive feedback
As a coach, it’s important to provide positive feedback to your players. When they do something well, praise them and encourage them to keep working hard. On the other hand, if they make a mistake, offer constructive criticism and help them learn from it.
7) Make adjustments based on the players’ needs
As a coach, it’s important to be flexible and make adjustments based on the players’ needs. If they’re struggling with a particular drill, modify it or try something different. If they’re having trouble focusing, take a break and play a fun game to get their energy back up.
8) Emphasize sportsmanship
Soccer is a sport that requires players to be respectful and fair. Emphasize sportsmanship in your practices and make sure the players understand the importance of fair play. Before the game make sure that parents also know that you expect them to set a good example. This includes not yelling at or berating the referee.
9) End with a cool down
Just as it’s important to start each practice with a warm-up, it’s also important to end each practice with a cool down. This might include stretching exercises, or a quiet game to help the players calm down and transition back to the real world.
10) Have fun!
Above all, remember to have fun! Coaching 10 year olds can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. When you’re having fun, the players will too, and they’ll be more likely to keep playing and developing their skills.
Good luck!
Becoming a youth soccer coach is a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those who enjoy working with young athletes and have a passion for the sport. By completing the necessary training and meeting the requirements of your local soccer organization, you can become a certified coach and help your team develop the skills they need to succeed on the field. Remember to prioritize the safety and well-being of your players, and to always continue learning and improving your coaching skills. By following these steps, you can become a valuable asset to your local soccer community and make a positive impact on the lives of young athletes.
