• Coaches, you are the role model for the child in soccer and as a person in an accepted position of authority, you have the largest impact. Help the children “be the best they can be!”

• Coaches are strongly encouraged to attend the preseason clinic so that they get good coaching pointers and ensure that all coaches are on the same page

• Coaches are expected to, not only know the rules that are applicable to the age group they are coaching, but to teach and exemplify these rules to their players

• It is absolutely essential that the coach is a positive individual, willing to learn and pass that knowledge and skill on

• Most of coaching deals with motivating their players and this can be done by varying the drills, being constructive in instruction, and having activities suited to the age level of the children. Keep standing to a minimum and adjust practice length for maturity level

• Extremely important is that coaches be able to put winning in perspective, especially with regard to U10 and up, and encourage the children to be respectful of the game, the officials, and needless to say, the other players. Losing needs to be viewed as an opportunity to learn for everyone

• Coaches inspire players to listen and to learn

• It is helpful if a coach can communicate effectively the skills necessary to play, by not only providing clear, positive feedback, but be able to demonstrate whenever possible

• Remember a coach is:

• Fun (your enthusiasm is contagious)
• Keeps the kids active and participating
• Conscientious, punctual, and well organized
• Provides positive communication with each child
• Always willing to learn, observes and guides, doesn't direct

• Fun practices include:

• Players touching the ball as much as possible
• A balance of individual and team skills in practices (age appropriate)
• Drills keeping players always moving
• A variety of activities that build on each other over time