Better Soccer Coaching / Better Soccer Coaching / The Dug-Out / Introduction / Latest Posts

RE: Introduction

Peterm — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:48:45 GMT

This is a great idea. I am Peter. I have coached boys from 4 years old, for two 1/2 years. I read SCW every week. My team has now nearly 30 boys, with 3 teams entered for U8s next year. It is fantastically rewarding, and equally frustrating. I need more hours in the day, and definitely more than an hour a week with the boys.

Our first season has balanced in terms of results. I see some great talent within the squad, and love watching them use their developing skills.

RE: Introduction

everton100 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:54:18 GMT

Afternoon,

I am new to this forum, my background is I got into coaching 6 years ago, working with the development centre at Cardiff City FC, I then progressed by obtaining my football leaders award, goalkeeping cert, child protection/first aid, then progressed to my Uefa C License, then I obtained my Uefa B License and worked on their Academy for 3 years coaching the u9's /u10s. I currently coach a mens team on a saturday afternoon, but I am always looking to get into youth development again, so if anyone has any ideas please feel free to ask, depending on the distance.

Cheers Lee

RE: Introduction

kidcoach — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:35:46 GMT

Hey there... I am Bill

I have been coaching Football ( Soccer in the States) for over 25 years... most of that time at the High School level. I have my National NSCAA licence and am addicted to learning more- even now. I have 4 boys playing U-7, U-9, U-11, and U-13... and I coach each of them, and have since they all started at U-5. I also coach my boys Lacrosse teams( a Yank sport;)

I belong to a lot of soccer sites and have dreams of starting my own for coaches of young players some day... ( don't know where I would find the time)

I love the info I am finding at the Better Coaching site and the News letter- I look forward to hearing from everyone in the future. I especially love hearing what is happening on the other side of the pond. My dad and his family are all from Scotland and England.

RE: Introduction

Candu — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:23:35 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just joining the forum. I coach two youth team here in Canada in the Niagara region, Grimsby Gladiators U10 boys Tier 1 NYSL and a competitive Grimsby Groove U12 girls South Region (of Ontario). I was born in Reading England and I still remember going to Elm Park to watch the Biscuitmen (now the Royals) with grandpa (the original hooligan) as a six year old. I quit playing at 15 in Canada after a truly horrendous incident in away travel game. Once my kids started playing at the tyke level it became obvious I had to get seriously involved at the club. My daughter was a house-league call-up and the older team coach was yelling at his player not to dribble the ball just hoof it. That is when I had my epiphany. I absolute love coaching. I'm constantly trying to improve and I really do pour my heart and soul into it. After eight years of coaching soccer school (5s), tyke (6,7), house league, all-star, recreational travel and competitive travel; I feel i have learned a tremendous amount and will share this with you guys in this forum when appropriate.

Cheers,
Candu

RE: Introduction

Sandman — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:28:57 GMT

Adrian Sandy (just call me Sandman) started out coaching Under 7's boys and finished 3rd in the league, moved to under 10's girls who are now under 11's. I moved into coaching kids football because as soon as I realised that was what I wanted to do, I got on and did it!

RE: Introduction

Anna4 — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:33:04 GMT

I wanted to introduce myself before I commented on when we play outside of the UK.

I manage an over 30 women's soccer team in the largest women's soccer league in Ontario with 500 members (over 19 years of age). We have been playing together for 6 years now and use Dwyer's excellent tips to improve on how we play the game.

Although we don't coach, most of us have children that play and we greatly appreciate the people who do spend a lot of their time coaching them.

RE: Introduction

Success In Football — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:00:34 GMT

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. My name is Richard Nugent and I've got a pretty diverse involvement in football.

Professionally I'm a football consultant, working at the Elite level of the game, with clubs, teams and players who are finding it difficult to remain consistant or who are ready to step up to the next level.

I work with them to help them get access to the latest tools and techniques to achieve their targets.

I've recently worked with players and coaches from Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and LA Galaxy. My first book is out in May of next year too.

Just for fun - I also co-manage a grassroots team in the Northern Football Alliance. The club has U8s up to Seniors and although time means that I don't do too much coaching with the younger teams these days, I do work quite closely with the coaches.

Look forward to taking part in some interesting discussions and helping where I can.

RE: Introduction

BaltoBruiser — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:54:55 GMT

Hi,

My name is Robert but my nickname since college is Bruiser hence the forum name. I am going to coach my daughter's U8 team this winter in an indoor league. I wanted to get some pointers on how to help these kids develop. They just finished their second year together in an outdoor league.

Looking forward to interacting with you all.

Bruiser

RE: Introduction

WTJFC — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:34:40 GMT

Hi I'm David from Warrington Town Under 8's B. Spookily we played Noel's team (Woolston Rovers) on Saturday (lost 4-0, got reverse fixture this weekend) and then I find him on 'The Dug Out', small world.

I'm a dad who filled in last year when we had 14 under 7's, frantically trying to get them all a game. As usual most teams in our league had the same problems and ended up playing an A team (league) & B team (friendly) game during the same fixture. Now I run the B team in Div 3 on my own. I love it, but seem to have been through the same trials and tribulations as most of you on the boards.

I'm a Level 1 Rugby coach so see both sides of the coin with regard to running teams, discipline, respect, etc. At this age there is no difference in the kids (or the parents come to that). If anybody has any questions about how I do things in Rugby give me a shout, I'm more than happy to lend a hand.

Looking forward to exchanging views over the coming months.

David (WTJFC)

RE: Introduction

Cheetahs-00 — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:21:32 GMT

Hello all,

My name is James, I coach a U8 girls team in central Texas. I have been coaching my daughters team for about 2 years. I started coaching so that my daughter would be able to play, typical scenario of too many kids and not enough parents stepping up and volunteering.

Since I started coaching I find myself actually watching the sport on T.V. (which is actually hard to do in the states; my belief is that it is do to the lack of commercials so the networks do not get any advertising money) and have become hooked!!!

I hope to be able to find ways to motivate some of the kids to want to play and share what I have found to work with my team.

RE: Introduction

johnnyM — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:52:00 GMT

hi all i'm johnny i have been managing/coaching adult team in ferrybank, waterford ,ireland for about 13 yrs now and also coach u-11 team the past two years and like most of you i'm sure i also coach our 5-9 year olds when available on saturday mornings.i have completed FAI level 1 badge and other related courses a few years now and also done the SAQ course. At the moment i'm doing the english fa level 1 on line (this is a great site TheFA.com/FAlearning) which i'm enjoying very much, also studying a 5 set dvd on coerver coaching and introducing it to the u-11 team who really enjoy learning new skills, tricks, feints etc, started coaching at 22 with virtually no playing experience (i was one of the super subs who allways trained but very rarely got to start a game) and have been on a learning curve since . I am 35 now and my ambition if i have one would be to coach a youth team win to win the FAI youths cup and maybe get to uefa B licence.

RE: Introduction

James — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:39:58 GMT

Intros -

Good idea

I'm coach to Hall Green Utd U10s in Wakefield.

Been caoching them since they were U6 - this year first time in league - Hudd & Dist Jnr.

Got involved as I've played since I was 5 - now pushing 40 and still playing 5 a side once a week and 11 a side Saturday...wanted to get involved as can't play forever ...and my lad didn't seem that interested - took him along and helped the coach - who moved on 2 yrs ago to leave me the team - my lad becoming more interested as he gets older - but it sometimes puts a strain, as there are time he's not interested in playing/training and I leave him to follow that path - but it "cuts me deep" - just shows, we're all different

Anyway I have 13 kids in total - love it when they listen - hate it when they mess about - usually on a Wednesday training session when they've had enough of listening to teacher - so don't need me to yap on - which is fair enough

Take immense pleasure when they work hard and win a game - less so when we win against weak opposistion....nothing worth gaining was ever gained without effort.

Amazed that I would find so much pleasure in coaching and helping many kids from different backgrounds to get focused and work together - If it weren't for parents, I might have considered going into teaching

Have FA coach level 1 - wanting to do 2 and 3 when their 16 - but work commitments makes this hard.

Favourite Motto " It ain't about winning, it's about trying to win"

It's in the trying that makes us who we are - and what we will become...not the winning.

RE: Introduction

James — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:26:41 GMT

Well done to you Fi

Don't let us blokes put you off - if you're prepared to step up and do it - then that's got to go a long way - you may not have decades playing experience - but knowledge gained by working with the kids - watching, taking the FA courses and being part of forums such as this,can only help you......as you learn, you'll grow and you;ll improve

Don't every forget to have fun along with way

Don't stick to rigid training drills - use you're own personality and experience.

Good luck

RE: Introduction

stu71 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:21:09 GMT

Hi all, my names Stuart, i coach 2 teams at the moment U9 and U10. I started at U8 level when my eldest son got involved. My boys play in 2 different leagues 1 on saturday the other on sunday, so as u can see my weekends are taken up! But after 3 years of it i can honestly say that the weekend cant come fast enough! It is the biggest buzz i love it. Win Lose or Draw it doesnt matter, i'm just glad to be involved. My eldest last year won their league, and my youngest came runner up. This season has been harder but more fulfilled, for myself and the kids.

RE: Introduction

MarkC — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:47:50 GMT

Hi Sara,

I too have experienced the problem of pushy/moaning parents. I try to get them to focus on their own childs development, rather than the performance and results. Ask them if they know what their child enjoys about football or why they come, if they ask I guarentee that at U10 winning comes way down the list if it appears at all.

Try and encourage them to complete the FA Soccer parent course, it's free and will reinforce what you are saying. One of our teams offered a £5 discount on registration to parents who could produce a certificate to show they had completed Soccer parent course. It improved the behaviour of the parents several times over and once a majority had completed it there was real peer pressure on the rest to do it. One mother banned her husband from coming until he completed it. Let us know how you get on.

Mark

RE: Introduction

swift1 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:17:54 GMT

Hi Sara,

The subject of parents is raised on here quite a lot and its an issue i have also experienced so i do sympthathise with you. I dont think there is a right or wrong way to keep them happy.

Whatever level of football you are in people will always believe they know best. Every England team picked someone would do it differently and better. I have even seen proper fistfights at proffesional matches because someone rates the manager and someone else doesnt (Steve Bruce - Birmingham City)

I have no family ties to my team and i think that helps as i cant be accused of picking my son or daughter but regardless of that everyone thinks there little jimmy (or jane) should play every week in their preffered position.

My view is this, if i knew i was trying to do the right thing for the whole team and THE PLAYERS (not parents) are happy in the team then i would continue and let as much go over my head as possible. The people with the opinions are usually the ones who wouldnt have a clue how to run a side. I dont fully agree when people say it not about the result because nobody enjoys losing but at an age where we are developing youngsters within a team enviroment then it isnt the be all and end all.

I had a similar incidents a couple of years ago and basically asked exactly what the problem was and most of the time its just peoples excuse to moan.No one had a very good point it was just things like "my son likes it upfront" I nearly left at one time as i had a few opportunites elsewhere and it was the most critical who wanted me to stay more than anyone - someone to moan about each week probably.

Simply stick with it, what i will say though is get yourself through that second basic course ASAP. Especially if you have never played as the later courses are much more beneficial as the first two are very basic. I promise you this though your football education will come from watching and being part of the game but the courses are a good start point.

Head up and stick with it!!

RE: Introduction

Sara — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:07:25 GMT

Hi I'm Sara

This is my third season and my girls team are now U10. I've never played football myself but did my FA Level 1 coaching a couple of years ago and have promised myself I will do Level 2 this season. I have some really great players and seem to be attracting more girls all the time (probably because we won the league and the cup last year, finishing unbeaten) I love coaching and motivating the girls, and seeing things come together for them, but I am now struggling trying to stop the girls getting complacent. I'm also struggling with keeping the parents (especially fathers!) off my back, as they now expect us to win all the time, and of course think their daughter is the best player in the squad and should play every game, and that they know better than a woman! I really want to give all the girls a game every week, but it's no longer possible. Any advice on handling father's in a man's world (yes even in girl's footy), gratefully received!

RE: Introduction

MarkC — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:56:57 GMT

Hi I'm Mark

This is my throd season as assistant mgr for my Sons team currently U15

Also working with the U6 andU7 age groups in the club

Took Level 1 badge this summer, plus a number of the online courses

Hoping to do Level 2 this summer

Mark

RE: Introduction

Ian H — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:50:33 GMT

Hello All,

My name is Ian.

I'm a Manager/Coach for U 8's in Suffolk and I have an F.A. level 1 Cert.

I got into this because of my son (surprise!!) and I'm really enjoying the experience.

This is my 2nd season with the Team and although it's been a steep learning curve, we've grown as a Team and started well this season.

I look forward to meeting you all.

RE: Introduction

MattR — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:53:45 GMT

Hi There,

My name is Matteo but for non I-TIES, Matt will do. Born Italian and raised in canada..EH!

I have played this game at various levels and have been coaching in one form or another since I was about 18. 2 years ago after taking 3 years off from coaching, my youngest daughter was finally old enough to play at a competitve level and had made the local team in Aurora, Canada.

Unfortunately, 4 weeks before the outdoor season started (we play inside in the winter here..its a tad cold), the coach (who was excellent) was transfered to NY, NY as a director of Marketing for large IT company. He announced this and he also said that if the club did not get a volunteer to take on the 97 girls team...it would be cancelled.

The rest is history and loving every minute of it. There is nothing like watching a bunch of kids kicking around a ball, turning into a bunch players forming a team.

Matteo

RE: Introduction

Joser — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:38:28 GMT

I my name is Jose and this is my first season coaching girls under 7 where my daughter is playing. I am also coaching boys under 10, and the Varsity Girls soccer team here in southern California. Soccer is my passion and love to play the game too. I am glad that I found better soccer coaching in the net. I think I am set to coach this season, thanks to Better Soccer Coaching information. Please keep me inform on new event and strategies to teach my local southern Californian players. I am aware that this information is from Europe, but I love the information that I am getting so far. I love how Chelsea play soccer and my goal is to teach this young player to play like Chelsea. Nice to know all of you guys.

Regards

Jose A Ramirez

RE: Introduction

swift1 — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:57:26 GMT

Hi Fellas

A bit later than the rest of you but here is my intro.

My name is Simon and i run a team called the Alvechurch Swifts (hence my forum name).

From September we will be in the Stourport under 18 league after just finishing five seasons in the Mid Warwickshire league since the team formed in 2001. We statrted at under 13 level but had trained for about 8 months previous to that.

Last season we finished runners up in our league and won the league cup so this season we have been put straight into division one at under 18 in a completely different league with new teams to get accustomed too and we are all relishing the challenge....

Just for the record i am a Birmingham City supporter but also follow Rangers!!

Cheers Lads!!

swift1

RE: Introduction

Frankie — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:15:50 GMT

If you fancy hosting us closer to the season you know where to find me, JUST TELL ME THE AGE GROUPS ,VENUE DATES AND TIME.

RE: Introduction

Noel — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:54:10 GMT

Take my hat off to you Frankie, you deserve a knighthood for that service, good luck.

RE: Introduction

Frankie — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:05:07 GMT

3 fellas picking you up and throwing you to the ground, is that a sport in Warrington? thats jumping the Q at the bar in my local.:D

MY CLUB IS OVER 30YEARS OLD IVE BEEN WITH THEM FOR 20 WE HAVE CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 17, INCLUDING 7 GIRLS TEAMS WHICH I STARTED 8 YEARS AGO. THATS 24 TEAMS PLAYING IN VARIOUS LEAGUES IN MERSEYSIDE AND WEST LANCASHIRE.

RE: Introduction

Noel — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:28:58 GMT

To be honest, when it comes to supporting football teams I dont have any preference although as a kid it was always Liverpool.

Football bores me. Dont get me wrong, I love coaching the kids football team and love being involved at this level but as for watching a football match on tv or live, I just think it is very boring.

Being in Warrington my first sport is Rugby League. When I see a player getting picked up by three opposition players, thrown onto the ground whilst they all pile on, then they all get up sometimes have a little fight and then get on with it, on top of all that earning £30000 to £50000 per year compared to the footballers getting that a week and screaming their heads off at a little push, it makes me appreciate my game alot more.

As for our club, its 9 years old, started off with 8 kids in 1998, now has 300 I think, under 5's up to under 14's.

RE: Introduction

Frankie — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:02:26 GMT

I have to be thick skinned living so close to these red necks, there again there are proberly more Lfc fans in Warrington than there is in Liverpool, I GUESS your a red Devil.

ANYWAY how big is this club of yours Woolston?

RE: Introduction

Noel — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:02:22 GMT

Good on ya, no offence meant

RE: Introduction

Frankie — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:17:48 GMT

WRONG ANSWER NOEL.

AM SCOUSE LOUD AND PROUD, AND OBVIOUSLY A BLUE NOSE.

RE: Introduction

Noel — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:45:40 GMT

just keep away from Liverpool:P

RE: Introduction

Wayne — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:44:04 GMT

Well now, we would not want to have to show you guys a thing or 2 about football now, will we lads? hee hee

I have not had any mail to my pvt adress, it is alot easier to communicate as we have 1 hour a day of internet usage, between 12h00 and 13h00, at the office, but emails are up all the time.

I have never been overseas - i know - SHOCKING!! However, it looks as if i am off to Paris, 2nd week in October, and have told my Fiance' that i have to go to England, To THE KOP. So if anyone ones to meet up with a South African, who only drinks cold beer (ha ha) and have a natter, feel free to contact me. I will advise of final dates etc, but would love to meet up with some English folk. Suggestions of where to go, stay, etc would also be appreciated,

RE: Introduction

George Black — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:55:40 GMT

we could get an international tri-series south africa ,england and scotland and idon't think we need to worry about winter fooie folks!

RE: Introduction

Dwyer — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:36:08 GMT

I'm there! Wayne, I don't suppose you have a multi-millionaire benefactor to fly us out there?

RE: Introduction

Noel — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:39:46 GMT

Welcome to the site.

Right who is up for a friendly match in South Africe then?

RE: Introduction

Wayne — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:31:29 GMT

Hi all,

My name is Wayne, and have been coaching my oldest son's team for the last 4 years. Am currently with the under 12's this season. Played soccer up until 1992 when i tore my interior cruciate ligament.

Been at Panorama Football club, in Johannesburg for the last 4 years. We have local training sessions for coaches, but do not get FIFA levels. Would love to correspond with other coaches in the U.K., and maybe get a couple of teams over here for a tour or for a couple of "International Club Friendlies".

My passion is knowing that i have assisted kids to become the best that they can be, on and off the field. This is my age groups second year of playing on a full field, and the offside rule. We are in the second division and on top of the log. We have played 6, won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1.

I am enjoying this site, with the coaching tips etc, but if anyone would like to contact me, they can on :

herwitch@diagonalgroup.co.za

Any coaching tips etc, would be highly appreciated.

Ta, Wayne Herwitch

RE: Introduction

George Black — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:00:42 GMT

good luck Fi, everyone starts at the beginning,as the great Freddie said get on your bike and ride. p.s if u can find the time in between the cooking and shopping get some coaching badges. have fun.

RE: Introduction

Fi — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:04:58 GMT

The first few matches were painfully nerve wracking, I didn't sleep well the night before worrying if I'd selected the right players for the right positions. Any new coach goes through this I suppose. I've been told that I now shout louder than I used to. As I'm sure that most of you have experienced the frowns and tutts as the parents puzzle as to why you've not started a talented player (it's because he needs to learn to play as a team and pass the ball) or why you've not put some strapping great lad in centre defence (because he has a tendancy to run off up the pitch and I want some there who knows how to play the position).

I find the blokes at work a good sounding board for ideas and also, for when I've heard a new footballing term. This site is proving extremely useful so thank you to the powers that be for setting it up.

RE: Introduction

Noel — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:55:52 GMT

I must say its good to see people getting involved who mouth off as the usual story is a parent constantly mouths off but doesn't offer any solutions or help at all so good on ya!

I am puzzled though by Fi. Its great what you're doing but how do you manage to fit it in with all the washing and ironing and cleaning?:P

RE: Introduction

Nick — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:02:29 GMT

Well done Fi

It must've been hard when you first started.

Im not the most confident person and i found it hard teaching the kids with there parents looking on when i started coaching, so i could imagine it would have been hard to prove to them that you could do it as no doubt alot of the dads wouldnt have believed that you would cope.

How have you been getting on with your team?

RE: Introduction

Fi — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:56:49 GMT

Hi,

This is my first season coaching football. Have an u'9s team with 15 players. I was originally just the treasurer of the club when my son was younger, and I helped out occasionally. Then no one was interested in managing the new team to come up so I said "I'll do it". Have done my leaders award with the FAW (FA Wales) and then desperately been trying to get to grips with the tactics of the game. I'm sure some of the Dad's would prefer a bloke to coach, but noone was willing to commit the time, so they'll have to put up with me. The kids keep turning up and we got through to the local league semi final (though lost on penalties!), so I must be doing something right.

I never thought in a million years I'd be doing something like football coaching. I'm really enjoying trying to teach the kids to think rather than just hoofing the ball up the pitch and all chasing after it.