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The Youth Soccer Coach as a mentor

 
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The Youth Soccer Coach as a mentor
As the leaders of a soccer team, coaches are in a position of responsibility and authority. Let's see how!
Soccer coaches play a major role in shaping the lives of young people. As the leaders of the soccer teams we work with, we are in a position of responsibility and authority. Besides coaching players to improve athletically, technically, and mentally, we have the responsibility to help them become good citizens, leaders, and role models.
Players and parents alike look to us for guidance and leadership. Therefore, we need to constantly strive to not only learn as much as we can about the game and our players, but also the methods to help our players grow to be individuals of integrity. This means many things. 
 
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO BE A GOOD MENTOR?
  • We need to stretch ourselves as role models.

Our players need to see good character in action, not just as words coming at them every once in a while. Ask yourself how you can model the behavior you want to see in your players, and then be sure to speak and act that way yourself.

  • We need to listen to our players.

​Validating their experiences and getting to know what they are like as people, not just soccer players. Many children today have few people in their lives who truly care about them: their coach should be one who does.

  • We need to call out players on any bad behavior we see.

​And adequately acknowledge any excellent qualities we see as well. Players need to know we are concerned not only about how they play soccer, but about how they conduct themselves on and off the field.

  • Finally, let parents know you are there to offer support at any time.

Players need many adults in their lives who hold them accountable and celebrate their successes, and as coaches, we should be counted among those ranks.

 
HOW TO BE A GOOD SOCCER COACH
To be better at what we do requires us to fully understand the roles, qualities, and skills of a good coach. As we lead children in our role as coaches and mentors, we must constantly strive for excellence.
 
“There are many people, especially coaches, who think that success and excellence are the same thing, and they are not. Success is short term and fleeting; excellence lasts forever. If you strive for excellence you will always be successful… the opposite is seldom true.” - Joe Paterno (former Penn State Head Football Coach)

 

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