To continue with further education, Executive Director travelled back to Wales to participate in the UEFA/FAW C Certification. Having already gained USC Premier Diploma (formally NSCAA) it was time to explore another pathway.
A very technical course in the understanding of soccer action mechanics, the course covers the fundamental skills along with coaching through the use of life skills.
Life Skills
‘Not all human beings are players, but all players are human being’
The emphasis here, just like the Dutch and German clubs, is the importance of being a good person, and developing the individual’s life skills. Yes, players will improve their soccer ability, but very few will make the elite level, so there must be more in youth soccer than dreams of a professional career.
- 0017% chance of playing in EPL
- 100% chance of being a better person
- Develop the person as well as the player
Life skills developed through youth sports participation can include-
- Respect: other people, yourself, the practice environment
- Confidence: self-belief while being humble
- Open Mindset: appreciation of failure, learning from set backs to further develop, work ethic
- Communication: working with others, listening, leading
- Discipline: attitude towards others, bad language, reaction to referees
Players and coaches shouting at referees ultimately teaches kids to challenge authority, a lack of respect towards the rules and other people’s decisions/opinions. In life the police are authority, the life lesson hear is to no longer respect authority of law.
Life skills are broken down in to categories of skill sets:
Behavioral: verbal and non-verbal
Cognitive: decision making
Interpersonal: dealing with others
Interpersonal: self-driven by setting goals
Reflective Practice
Coaching players is the main job role of being a youth soccer coach, but players can only develop based upon the knowledge and understanding of the coach. Players are not empty vessels arriving to practice with no knowledge of the game, but all players are filled to a certain amount. The coach must bring out that knowledge and additionally increase the players knowledge and understanding. Coaches must continue their education, and can do through many means –
- Coach education courses
- Literature, around the sport and through additional disciplines (psychology/nutrition)
- Learning from other coaches/organizations
- Learn through doing, advancing on mistakes
- eLearning, podcasts, videos
Coaches should ask themselves 2 key questions and hold themselves accountable to the reflective practice process.
- What will you take away from this session?
- Are you committed to reflective practice to develop as a coach?
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