After coaching a group of children under the age of 7, experienced soccer journalist Rory Smith shares how this coaching journey transformed his understanding of the game. He highlights the tactical challenges of teaching young players and the importance of fostering enthusiasm, even in a non-competitive setting.
Lessons on the Field: What Coaching My Son's Soccer Team Taught Me
Lessons on the Field: What Coaching My Son's Soccer Team Taught Me
A seasoned soccer reporter reflects on the unexpected insights gained while coaching a youth soccer team, revealing the challenges and joys of guiding children in their early sports experiences.
A few weeks ago, I found myself deep in the world of youth soccer, where my responsibilities took an unexpected turn as I volunteered to coach my son’s team of under-7 players. Despite my extensive background in soccer reporting, this experience opened my eyes to the unique challenges presented by coaching such young athletes.
The team faced a significant challenge: we were conceding an alarming number of goals—silly goals, preventable goals, which felt more like gifts to the opposing teams. In England, when children begin playing formal soccer at 6 years old, the games are intended to be non-competitive. There are no league tables or recorded results. Nonetheless, it was clear to everyone involved that our performance on the field was falling short.
In light of our struggles, I devised a plan aimed at remedying our situation. We had been promoting a style of play focused on technique—encouraging the children to pass from the back, take measured touches, and express themselves freely. However, the childlike exuberance of our players often led to chaotic situations. We found ourselves dribbling perilously close to our own goal line or attempting passes into a congested midfield, all while losing matches that were meant to be fun.
As we continued to lose games, I became increasingly concerned that this lack of success might dampen the children's excitement for the sport. Winning wasn't supposed to be our priority, yet the impact of repeated losses seemed to cast a shadow over our practices and matches.
This endeavor revealed the significant gap between the ideal of teaching a beautiful game and the realities faced by young players still learning the basics. Through this journey, I have come to appreciate not only the intricacies of youth coaching but also the sheer joy of being involved in the lives of these budding athletes, reinforcing the notion that enthusiasm and love for the game exceed simple scoreboards and results.
