Coaching Youth Soccer-A Parents Challenge

Your son or daughter just came home from school holding that wonderful form to sign up for youth soccer.  There on the bottom is that wonderful question, "Would you like to help, by being a Coach or Assistant Coach?"  Come on, check that box.  You know it could be fun.  Coaching youth soccer often falls squarely on the shoulders of parents, who many times have never played the game.  Are you up for the challenge?

Soccer has gained a lot of popularity as a youth sport, due to limited amount of equipment needed, and the extreme fun the kids can have.  But the challenge in coaching youth soccer, many of the parents in the USA have never played soccer, and most don't know where to start learning.

Luckily, coaching youth soccer is something you can learn.  There are many great websites, and books on the subject.  The soccer field's key areas are easy to learn, and the rules are not complicated.  (Ok, with the exception of the offsides rule.)  I'd highly recommend you grab of book on soccer, that covers all the important information, it can save you time.  It is very easy to learn simple practice drills and games, to get yourself started.

Why do parents start coaching youth soccer?  Usually because no other parent volunteered.  But I'll tell you, coaching youth soccer could be the greatest time of your life.  You will enjoy the energy of the children during practices, the excitement of the games, the fun of interacting with parents.  You suddenly can influence children's behavior, and many times their attitudes towards sports and life.  You are a teacher.

If you follow our articles, you can learn many of the little items you need for coaching youth soccer.  But one thing I do recommend, find a mentor, a coach who has been around a few seasons and has been successful.  Ask them for recommendations.  They will love that you thought of them.  They can quickly get you started on the right track, and then with the aid of our articles, and a great book, you'll be well on your way to doing a great job.

How much time does coaching youth soccer require?  That question varies, depending on what level you are playing at.  For very competitive groups, it may involve practice everyday, with practices taking over an hour.  If you're coaching youth soccer for many of the local city leagues, coaches often only have one or two practices a week, and one or two games per week.  It is definitely a major commitment to your time, but I assure you, the rewards far outweigh the loss of time.

If this entire article sounds like a sales pitch to have you start coaching youth soccer, you're right!  We need more parents who commit to coaching and assistant coaching, so our youth can learn this wonderful sport, and enjoy the benefits of exercise, learning team play, coordination, and positive thinking.  Come on, check that box, and enjoy the fun of coaching  youth soccer.