Youth Soccer Coaching
"Training the very young - One on One?"

I have a five year old son, soon to be six. We're thinking of signing him up for youth soccer and I'm thinking of volunteering as the youth soccer coach. He has expressed interest in playing. I have a couple of concerns though.

First, I've played soccer since I was eight all the way through college at a very competitive level. It's been over a decade since I've played competitively but the fire still burns. I'm concerned that I might not be a good coach for a bunch of 5 year old boys just learning how to play the game. My son already is exhibiting some signs of frustration as I have him in the basement teaching him some fundamentals, like how to properly kick the ball.

My second concern is that my son is still a little shy compared to most boys his age. In group activities he's not very aggressive. This may stem from him spending 13 weeks in a cast a year and half ago because he broke his tibia slipping on a book while running around. I'm not sure if he should learn in an environment where he's not really ready to get in there an mix it up. Perhaps it might be better to hold him back for a year or two as he builds his strength.

I'd appreciate any suggestions and comments you could offer.

Sincerely,
Kevin M. Tupper

I always appreciate it when someone asks a question containing its own answer. You have identified the most important problems. That is fantastic! Now you need to respect your own wisdom.

Sure your son could have great year playing the game you love - as long as he gets a coach whose sole purpose is conveying a love of the game. If it isn't fun your son will play for a while because he loves his dad. If you love your son and the game you will find him another coach or, in my opinion, the better choice is for you to recognize the pitfalls, repress your own competitiveness for now and have fun. If you can do these things you are on your way to becoming a great coach.

Sports participation should be fun and confidence-building at all ages. A coach who knows a ton and tries to teach it all in anything less than a lifetime isn't a good coach. A coach who hardly knows a thing about the game but whose players end the season with a greater love of the game is a good coach. Great coaches find a way to trick these little guys into learning while they have fun NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!

If you respect your son's needs at this young age he might well grow to love the game and kick your butt in 10 years. Another possibility is that he might never love the game as you do but if you don't push him you will find other passions to share. Let him play unless he says he doesn't want to and let him build his physical confidence. Given the pain he went through before a cautious approach is wise.