CanadianSpur
Member
- Feb 11, 2016
- 84
I've coached for many years as a volunteer. I've taken several of the "weekend courses". I've attended many coach development sessions run by our clubs technical staff and spend a time talking to our technical staff and more experienced coaches. I watch other coach's training sessions to get ideas. I often arrange joint training sessions with the team above or below mine so the players get a different perspective and a challenge training with higher calibre players. I encourage playing permit to players can get exposed to coaches at the next level. I've continued coaching for the love of it long after my child has graduated from youth soccer. I'll let others decide if I am a good coach but my measure of success is how many of my players enjoyed the sport and continue the next season and how many were successful in moving up to the next level. We aren't always the best team (in terms of standings) but we generally see improvement in our skill and team play throughout the season. I enjoy in selecting a player from a lower level who has shown promise and helping them develop.
I expect these things from coaches and I always spent time talking to a coach with my child before accepting a position for her on a team. We have left strong teams because of poor coaching and my daughter was happier and developed faster on a "weaker" team because, in my opinion, the coaching was better. In our case the weaker team became the stronger team over the years because the coach developed his players. This was a volunteer coach developing player better than a paid coach.
Paid coaches are not the be all and end all. I've witnessed some very good and very bad paid coaches over my time being involved in this sport.
To get back to the topic, don't assume that the resume listed on the clubs website will determine if the coach is the right one for your situation. Get involved, ask questions, observe and get other parent feed back. PUFC may have very good coaches and technical programs but don't dismiss the dedicated volunteer.
I expect these things from coaches and I always spent time talking to a coach with my child before accepting a position for her on a team. We have left strong teams because of poor coaching and my daughter was happier and developed faster on a "weaker" team because, in my opinion, the coaching was better. In our case the weaker team became the stronger team over the years because the coach developed his players. This was a volunteer coach developing player better than a paid coach.
Paid coaches are not the be all and end all. I've witnessed some very good and very bad paid coaches over my time being involved in this sport.
To get back to the topic, don't assume that the resume listed on the clubs website will determine if the coach is the right one for your situation. Get involved, ask questions, observe and get other parent feed back. PUFC may have very good coaches and technical programs but don't dismiss the dedicated volunteer.