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“The Toolbox”
So having coached grass roots for around 5 years. I can safely say it’s been the most satisfying but challenging thing I have ever done.
There are parents out there that think by bringing their beloved child to training once a week and playing on the weekend, their blessed little Jonny two left feet is going to turn into the next Erling Harlaand overnight. news flash, big Kev the bus driver who was forced to do his level one before the team folds hasn’t got that in his locker and neither should he. You as a parent of either the most gifted or newest player to the sport has a responsibility to go out and spend some time with your kid, you don’t have to be King Eric to go out in the yard, garden, back street or even the local bottom field to play with your kid. Throwing a ball up for your little girl or boy to control and pass back will not only add to their skills but will also make you parent/ guardian number one in their eyes. Test them make them better, guess what big Kev drives a bus all week, he went out and got qualified, he loves the beautiful game, he plans sessions, he loves seeing the players progress. Kev stopped playing Sunday league about 5 years ago but his passion never left him. He wants the best for your player, he also likes to live his life, he likes drinking 8 pints on a Saturday afternoon. He’s always there ready to go on a Sunday, he doesn’t need parents expectation of making little Jonny the next best thing, Kev wants the best for the team, Kev has a plan.
Kev went out and added tools to his toolbox, FA level one, FA safeguarding , FA first aid. Kev watches YouTube coaches, reads coaching Blogs. Kev felt way out of his depth but after adding tools to his toolbox, Kev is more comfortable, he won’t always get it right and when he doesn’t guess what, he throws that new tool in his box.
Quite recently I spoke to a fellow coach who said his son just needs to play rather than train, he gets more from it. I could have cried. The best teams in the land train 5 days out of 7. And you think little Johnny is going to go and build hotels with half a claw hammer and a rounded Phillips, behave yourself, give your kid a chance to enjoy this game more. Promote practice, invest in training (park, yard, street,garden)
Don’t just stand on the sideline judging big Kev, travel on the journey with your young player, help them help Kev. Be positive, be respectful.
You can’t buy passion
Don’t try
As a parent add to your toolbox, help your player add to theirs
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