Coaching youth soccer and working with kids can be both highly rewarding but extremely challenging. Ever wonder why teachers look so old after about five years of service? As a soccer coach, do you find yourself having to repeat everything maybe once, twice and then frustration sets in and you end up yelling and screaming at them? At that moment – you have probably lost your patience and you have also probably lost them!

Most kids don’t mean to be a pain, they just need a little support and guidance to get them through to adulthood. Sports can play a major role in that shaping process. Sports build physical strength as well as self-esteem and soccer is a wonderful activity for children to take part in but even playing a sport they love like soccer, kids can still be easily distracted and unmotivated.

Anyone thinking of [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec] should seek advice. I don’t necessarily mean the counseling type of advice (although sometimes this could probably come in handy) but advice from someone that has had experience in teaching or coaching youth soccer. If you’re banking on the little darlings acting like angels all of the time, then you are in for one long season. However, by employing some ground rules and being a firm but fair [tag-tec]soccer coach[/tag-tec], a great team can be formed and loads of fun can be had.

When it comes to paying attention, kids are the worst. The average housefly could likely beat them when it comes to attention span. Funny enough, when they do listen to something they tend to retain the knowledge quite well, especially when it is something they love doing. This is where those of us involved in coaching youth soccer have the advantage over the school teacher. The first tip is to make sure they are listening when instructions are given. Make sure the Mp3 players and all of the other devices that kids are plugged into these days are off. Make sure they are focused on what is being said. Make them repeat it if needed. Pick someone out that looks like they are drifting away and make them repeat or demonstrate what you have just said. It is very effective and saves yelling.

Planning the sessions and making them fun will go a long way. Coaching youth soccer is like teaching in a lot of ways. Teachers need to plan lessons to make them successful. Planning coaching sessions will send the message that there are goals and objectives to accomplish. Try making the session’s fun. Nothing will put a young child to sleep quicker than a long boring lecture. Games and activities work wonders. They also retain knowledge and skills better when they are practiced.

When teaching the fundamentals of soccer, teach the basics and then move on. All of the soccer tricks and fancy moves will come later. Keep it simple and the kids will listen and understand. A skill such as shielding the ball is a good first lesson. As the kids progress then the more advanced skills can be worked in.

Try to make time for all of the players. When it comes to coaching youth soccer there will likely be both extremes. There will be the future Pele’s and David Beckham’s and there will be those that are well, probably not really suited for the game. As a soccer coach, the idea is to not get the kids professional contracts, it is to get them interested in the sport and improve their skills. The superstars and the benchwarmers all need support. Make sure they get it.

Reward the players. When they play well they should get a pat on the back. However, if they play badly don’t let them dwell on it for too long. Use it as a learning opportunity and move on.

As mentioned at the start, coaching youth soccer can be very rewarding. The majority of kids participating in soccer want to learn and this gives you a great opportunity as a soccer coach to impart your knowledge. Make it fun, involve everyone and they will be hanging off your every word. Repeat your instructions with each child individually if necessary and remember don’t lose your patience as they are only kids but they are also the future of this great game.