How did you get involved with soccer?
I played youth soccer as a child and continued to play through college. It was such an important part of my life for many years. I enjoyed the sport itself but also making friends throughout many stages of life. Being part of a team taught me many valuable skills such as team work, sportsmanship, how to manage disappointing loses and win gracefully, which I have used at school, work and as a parent. I wanted my own children to try soccer and hoped they would enjoy it as much as I did. The opportunity came for me to coach my daughter in the K-2 program six years ago. I have now coached kids from kindergarten all the way up to U14 (7th and 8th graders).
What do you enjoy about coaching?
The kids! They are funny, frustrating, silly, talented and amazing. I have been so fortunate to get to know some great kids and families in my 6 years of coaching for Holden Youth Soccer. They make it fun and rewarding.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from coaching?
We all thrive and grow at different times and in different ways. One week it may seem the basics are impossible and then next week it just clicks. Kids need time and we need to give them that time. I admire the players that don’t have “natural” talent and come week after week to practice ready to play. They work hard and do their best. That is not easy in our competitive society. We can learn so much from them. Do what you love! We don’t need to expect every child to be the “best” we should just ask them to do their best.
What’s the most helpful thing you’ve learned about coaching?
I have found collaboration to be incredibly helpful as a coach. Holden Youth Soccer provides excellent resources for its coaches. Other coaches are such a wealth of information and support. Reach out, ask questions and share with other coaches.
What advice would you give to new coaches?
Be prepared! Come to practice with planned activities based on the skills you want to work on each week. Practice will run more smoothly, and the kids know when you are prepared. If you come ready with a positive attitude they will come ready with a positive attitude. Know that sometimes even the best plans don’t go the way you expected. That’s ok! Move on and try something else. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sports are meant to be fun, and the kids love an adult they can relate to.
What have you found has helped your players most?
As a parent and coach this is hard, but back off! Let them play and learn from their mistakes and successes. Of course, instruction is important but kids will learn more by doing than being lectured. I also ask questions when I am explaining a skill. Why do you think you should turn your body this way? What will happen if your toe points up? Let them think about “the why” it will make more sense when they are playing and need to make a quick decision not just “my coach told me to do that.”
What, if anything, would you change about youth soccer?
I would not change anything specifically about youth soccer. What I would change is trend within youth sports for kids to be “specialists” at very young ages. They play one sport all year long. When I was a kid I played soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and softball in the spring. Kids start very early and become focused on one sport. I often hear from parents that 9 and 10 year olds won’t try a sport they have never played before for fear of being behind or “not good enough”. Recreational sports should continue to offer a venue for kids to explore and play.