The Coach Diary Football Blog

Category: Soccer Parents

  • How much exercise is enough?

    How much exercise is enough?

    When most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym on a treadmill or lifting weights. But for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active.

    Kids exercise when they have PE class at school, soccer training, or dance class.

    They’re also exercising on they’re breaks, riding bikes, or playing tag etc

    The Many Benefits of Exercise

    Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will:

    Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

    The Three Elements of Fitness

    If you’ve ever watched kids on a playground, you’ve seen the three elements of fitness in action when they:

    1. Run away from the kid who’s “it” (endurance)
    2. Cross the monkey bars (strength)
    3. Bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility)

    Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all three elements.

    Endurance

    is developed when kids regularly engage in aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for continuous periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

    Parents need to ensure that their kids get enough exercise. So, how much is enough? All kids 2 years and older should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week.

    The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers expanded activity guidelines for infants, toddlers and preschoolers:

    Infants

    No specific daily requirements and physical activity should encourage motor development.

    Toddler

    At least 1 ½ Hours of exercise per day, with 30 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity. (free play)

    Pre Schooler

    At least 2 hours exercise per day, consisting of 60 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity. (free play)

    School Age

    Again 2 Hours minimum per day which can be broken into bouts of 15 minutes or more. Infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time – no more than 1 hour unless they’re sleeping and school-age children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours.

    Improving Kids Strength

    doesn’t have to mean lifting weights. Although some kids benefit from weightlifting, it should be done under the supervision of an experienced adult who works with them.

    But most kids don’t need a formal weight-training program to be strong. Push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises help tone and strengthen muscles. Kids also incorporate strength activities in their play when they climb, do a handstand, swing on the monkey bars or wrestle.

    Stretching exercises

    help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids look for opportunities every day to stretch when they try to get a toy just out of reach, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

    The percentage of overweight and obese kids and teens has more than doubled over the past 30 years. Although many factors contribute to this epidemic, children are becoming more sedentary. In other words, they’re sitting around a lot more than they used to.

    According to recent study the average child is watching about 3 hours of television a day. And the average kid spends 5½ hours on all screen media combined (TV, videos and DVDs, computer time outside of schoolwork, and video games).

    One of the best ways to get kids to be more active is to limit the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, especially watching TV or playing video games.

    Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

    Here are some tips for raising fit kids:

    • Help your child participate in a variety of activities that are age-appropriate.
    • Establish a regular schedule for physical activity.
    • Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of a lift.
    • Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you’ll be a positive role model for your family.
    • Keep it fun, so you can count on your child to come back for more.

    Kids enjoy sports more when its FUN!

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  • Nutrition in Soccer and other sports

    Nutrition in Soccer and other sports

    Nutrition is very important for health and football performance. In fact the quality of your diet is the second biggest determinant of football performance, second only to football training.

    The Food Pyramid

    Half of your diet should be made up of bread, rolls, bagels, pasta, rice, cereals. These foods contain carbohydrate, the main source of energy your body uses while playing soccer. Make sure that around half of every meal is made up of the bottom of the pyramid. You should be eating at least 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables a day. These contain vitamins that help you produce energy during sports or soccer.

    Fact- A glass of fruit juice counts as one piece of fruit.

    Milk, yogurt or cheese should be eaten 3 times a day. These foods contain protein and calcium, which helps build strong muscle and bone. Try eating a handful of nuts each day. Meat, chicken or fish should be eaten twice daily. Red meat should be eaten once or twice a week to make sure you get enough Iron. Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood. Oxygen is important for making energy. Chocolate/sweets/ice-cream etc should be eaten rarely (Treats). Instead eat an extra piece of fruit.

    Keeping Hydrated

    • When you are well hydrated (drink enough fluids) you can control your body temperature and can produce energy more efficiently. When you do not drink enough fluids your performance decreases.
    • Carrying a bottle everywhere you go helps to increase fluid intake. Try to drink at least 2 and a half litres of fluid a day. Preferably water and other options include Milk, juice can count towards your fluid intake.

    Meals before Training/Matches

    Eating before a match or training is very important and effects how well you play. When playing football your body uses mostly carbohydrates for energy. Your body has a limited store of carbohydrate, which it keeps in the muscles. The more carbohydrate stores in your muscle the longer you can keep up sprinting/ jumping maximally and concentrating in training and matches.

    By eating Pre-match meals you top up your carbohydrate stores helping you to out perform your opponents. Pre-match meals should be eaten  roughly 3-4 hours before kickoff

    • If you find it difficult to eat before a match try eating liquid foods such as smoothies or even water
    • Sample a few exercise meals and decide which ones are best for you
    • Snacks before Training/Matches
    • You should try to eat a snack 60-90 minutes before kick-off. This further tops up your carbohydrate stores. For examples of pre match snacks see Table 1.
    • When playing away games and long journeys make sure to bring a snack with you.
    • If you get stomach cramps or are uncomfortable eating so close to training/matches, experiment with different eating times, and liquid snacks such as some sports drinks (See post on Sports drinks), home made one preferably.
    • Foods from Table 2 are best but if unavailable choose foods from either table.

    Hydrating

    • To make sure you are hydrated drink 500ml of fluid 2 hours before training/kick-off.
    • Drink a further 200-400ml over the course of the last 10 minutes before training/kick-off.
    • If it is uncomfortable or there is fluid sloshing around in you’re your stomach stop drinking.
    • During the match make sure to drink at least two full mouthfuls every 15-20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Thirst is a very bad indication of when your body needs water. Leave water bottles around the pitch for easy access and grab a drink whenever you can. Try not to leave it until half time to start drinking.

    Hydrating After a training or a game

    • After the match or training it is important to restore the fluids you lost through sweating. If you do not do this it can affect your performance in the next match or training session. (Especially if in a tournament)
    • Weigh yourself before and after each training session and match (only wear a pair of shorts). When you sweat during exercise you lose water weight. This needs to be replaced. Drink 1.5 litres of fluid for each kilogram you have lost.
    • Sports drinks contain carbohydrates and can help you maintain your performance throughout training or matches. (Sports drinks are not suitable for kids)

    Home Made Sports Drinks

    • Homemade sports drinks are just as good if not better than commercial sports drinks
    • To make a homemade sports drink, mix equal amounts of fruit juice and water. Then add a pinch of salt (one pinch for every 500ml) and shake well.
    • Make enough for the whole match and for afterwards (at least 2 litres).
    • You can use fruit cordial instead just make sure the ratio of water to cordial to water is around 1:8. Remember the pinch of salt.
    • Milk and water can all be used to replace sweat losses after training or a match. Chocolate Milk is also great.

    Eating After Training

    • It is important to eat early after training, within 2 hours. Eating early speeds up recovery and replaces your muscle carbohydrate stores.
    • At least part of meals after training or matches should include foods from Table 3.
    • If you do not feel like eating a lot straight after training or matches, eat snacks and try liquid snacks such as smoothies or yogurt drinks. Eat a meal as soon as you can.

    Pre-match meals should be eaten roughly 3-4 hours before kickoff

    Food Tables 1, 2 and 3

    • For examples of Pre exercise Meals see Table 1
    • List of certain foods that are best eaten Pre training and matches also see Table 1.
    • For a list of Pre Match Foods See Table 2
    • For a list of After Match Foods See Table 2

    Table 2 is a Pre match Food list Click here → Table 1 & 2 – Pre Match Meals, Snacks & Food

    Table 3 is a After Match Food list Click Here → Table 3 – After Match Foods

    To Summarise

    The Food Groups

    Your diet will need to be high in complex carbohydrates. It will need to have moderate amounts of protein, salt, sugars, and sodium. It should be low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.

    All this may sound quite complicated. Yet in fact it is quite simple. You can easily follow the guidelines by eating in a balanced way, including a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups that nutritionists recognise Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk and Meat.

    Carbohydrates: Active, soccer-player should get around 50 to 60% of their total calories in the form of carbohydrates. They are the fuel that makes your muscles go. That means around 3.0 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. Carbohydrates should be the largest part of your meals both before training or a game and after. You should even plan to boost your carbohydrate intake during a game with a drink, which is also important for rehydration.

    The best type of carbohydrates are rich in nutrients and obtained from complex (Starchy) carbohydrates found in Vegetables, Breads, Cereals, Pasta, and Rice, Rather than the simple (sweet) carbohydrates found in Milk and Fruits.

    Protein: Many people mistakenly think that a diet rich in the protein found in milk and meat helps build muscle and physical performance. In fact a well balanced diet has only 10 to 15% of its calories in the form of protein. Excess protein will stress the Kidneys and lead to dehydration and calcium loss. Muscle size is dependent on sufficient calories from a balanced diet, physical maturity, genetics and training.

    Fat: Fat in moderation remains an important part of a balanced diet for a soccer player, and around 20 to 30% of your calories should come from fat. Fat is important for many of your functions. It is a secondary source of energy to fuel your muscles and is essential for brain and nerve function. Fat provides essential vitamins A, E, D, K and omega 3 fatty acids which help you recover quickly by reducing inflammation and swelling when you get injured.

    Tips on eating and drinking before and after a game:

    Build up your calorie intake in the days leading up to a game to ensure your muscles contain a good store of glycogen the agent that powers you. On the day of a game remember that soccer is a stop and go sport that requires fluids and carbohydrates throughout the day of the game.

    The night before and 2-3 hours before a game focus on carbohydrates, moderate protein, low fat foods and fluids (pasta with vegetables and chicken, fruit, skimmed milk, cereal, yoghurt, toast, juice (See Table 1). Help your muscles recover fast eat and/or drink a high Carb Snack within 30 minutes after the game.

    Young people have different fluid needs to an adult and are more likely to get overheated when playing in hot weather, although fluid loss should also be replenished during cold weather.

    You should drink around 150ml to 300ml of a suitable fluid every 20 minutes or so during a game or during training, and keep drinking after exercise even if you do not feel thirsty.

    Note: The above is based on various books and research and is only a guide.

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  • Your Kids, Your Say

    Your Kids, Your Say

    All over England this summer the English FA are on the road running a series of roadshows focusing on the future of children’s soccer.

    (FAI road show were are you?)

    It comes on the back of over a year of consultation that forms part of The FA’s Youth Development review.

    The ‘Your Kids, Your Say’ events will provide the opportunity for grassroots volunteers to come and hear the proposals being put forward and then discuss their implications.

    Many coaches and parents will get a chance to ask questions of key FA staff and seek help and advice on overcoming some local challenges they face.

    We Value your opinion..

    As we know to well, many adult values are very different from children’s views and values and it is this that should drive young player development system.

    Gareth Southgate says,  “If there are hurdles and challenges to be overcome then the football family needs to work together to achieve these, ensuring that we create the best possible opportunity and environment for young people to play, enjoy and learn the game of football”.

    The English FA are saying, “Children’s football in England needs to be based on common sense, be exciting and innovative and be world-leading. We have a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of change and, whilst not forgetting the excellent work that the army of volunteers and parents do for children across the country, ensure that we all pull together in the same direction”.

    The key areas of discussion in the roadshows will be topics such as; Formats of the game, Child-centred approaches to competition, Addressing relative age effect and Developments to Mini Soccer.

    In Summary

    What I can’t undertand, is we have a Dutch man who’s title is International Performance Director; yet we see absolutely no Dutch ideas or methodologies in Irish Youth Soccer and I know his title is “International Performance Director” but wouldn’t we be better off with a Dutch man in charge of “Youth Performance”.

    In Holland all the best coaches are down at the Grassroots level and working with the kids every week and in Ireland most of our best coaches are working within the professional game or with the Football Federation.

    The Pressure is on

    So many countries in Europe are restructuring Youth Football, because like Ireland it has got out of hand and been run by morons, over competitive coaches and parents. The men at the top who make the decisions, (clearly no intelligent ones have been made in the last few years) who go from one opening of an envelope to another and pose for all the medal ceremonies at the end of the season “A la politician style”

    None to similar to FIFA delegtion only not travelling by plane, our lot travel in bus loads to vote against changes for the better of the kids, they stick by each other and back each other when it comes to making change, change that they don’t want to happen anytime soon. But it will happen whether they like it or not, because the FAI are under pressure to achieve, under pressure to restructure and follow the example of so many other European countries.

    The game here is suffering , kids are moving to other codes like GAA and Rugby which are better organised, have better and safer facilities and look after the children that play. So the pressure is on, whether they like it or not!


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  • Have some RESPECT

    Have some RESPECT

    Last week I dropped into the a u9s tournament in south Dublin, a well run event and plenty of other activities on display for all the kids to enjoy. As I was leaving the park I stopped to talk to a friend who was watching one of the games, a penalty was awarded for a hand ball, one of those decision that a ref has a split second to make and one that some refs give and others don’t, “ball to hand, hand to ball” kind on thing.

    Once again verbal abuse was launched at the young referee for making a honest decision, the man in question was well into his 50’s (a parent coach) and been carrying on for most of the time I was there and for about 5 to 10 minutes after the penalty was missed by the young lad.

    Soon, the ref had enough and ordered the man out of the park, reluctant to go and the situation had turned sour; kids started to get involved with some even crying. The man’s young daughter soon started shouting at the ref saying, “that’s my dad, you can’t send him away” ….after a short time all was resolved and the man was allowed to stay (No apology was offered tho)

    Bad for the game

    To often this kind of nonsense from uneducated morons goes on and we as coaches/managers/parents have to try and stamp this out of the game. Referees are mostly honest people, they make mistakes like all of us and I for one totally respect what they do and I wouldn’t do their job for all the money in the world. Like them or not we need them….and if adults continually abusing refs then kids will follow, this men/women should be respected; kids should learn how to respect their elders and adults should learn how to control themselves and if they can’t then they need to be removed from the game. This is a kids game, adults need to take a step back away from the line, back so far that they can’t hear what the kids are saying, far enough so that they can’t get involved in the game….Its time to start acting responsibly!

    Teaching your kids manners and discipline

    Teaching essential social skills in your kids is one of the most important (and sometimes dreaded!) tasks of good parenting . These basic social skills can impact and define the rest of their lives right from the playground to the family, school classroom, the pitch and finally workplace and relationships. Hence providing a good foundation becomes essential.

    Actions speak louder than words, when it comes to kids. Most of the times we teach kids through our body language and unconscious actions as compared to sitting them down and telling them consciously. Kids learn naturally by observation and imitation and hence it becomes important for us, as parents to set a good example and walk the talk or at least only talk about that which we can walk too!

    If we can’t be disciplined ourselves and control our frustration and anger on a football pitch what hope have kids that play. Teaching kids discipline is a fundamental part of life and our game; we as adults need to start being disciplined ourselves before we expect the kids to follow suit.

    “Kids learn naturally by observation and imitation”

    St. Petersburg psychologist Dr. Herb Goldstein has outlined a philosophy of winning. Key to this philosophy is the belief that:

    • Winning is not the most important objective and losing is not a sign of failure.
    • Neither success nor failure depends on the outcome of a contest or on a won-lost record.
    • Success is related to effort – you are never a “loser” if you have given your best.

    Probably the most important things parents can do is to ensure that their child has a good coach. The right coach can make a child’s sports exposure a good one, but the wrong one can ruin it—perhaps turning a youngster off to sports for good. That parent/coach abusing the ref at the u9s tournament is a bad coach, and parents have a right to step in and questions his motives.

    Parents & Coaches need to do more than cheer from the sidelines to guarantee that their child has fun in sports. Perhaps the best thing a parent can do is to help fit the triumph and frustration of sports into a balanced healthy life. It is really not that important how many medals and trophies a youngster brings home.

    He or she is your child first and an athlete second. Cheer your kid on, but give the whole team your enthusiasm, win or lose, and let them know that it’s not the score that counts but the FUN!

    The Coach Diary

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  • The Impact of Video Games

    The Impact of Video Games

    As someone who played video games as a kid, but have since grown out of them; I am always checking with my own team to see how late they were up the night before a match playing vgames. I know my own nephew (14) sometimes plays well into the wee hours the night before a game. I have been doing some research on the impacts it has on the kids and we all know that violent games can lead to negative thoughts which are sometimes acted out in real life.

    But then sports games can certainly help kids understand the game better, I’v noticed kids playing FIFA’10 etc always seem to play 1or2 touch football and will try all types of tricks, which can be brought on the the training ground and they are fun; kids love nothing more then to show their parents how it’s done in the gaming world!

    Video Games

    have been available to consumers for the last 30 years. They are a unique form of entertainment, because they encourage players to become a part of the game’s script. Today’s sophisticated video games require players to pay constant attention to the game, rather than passively watching a movie. This has both positive and negative impacts on players. Several studies have been published that explore these impacts on today’s children.

    The most widely used “positive” impact video games are said to have on children is that they may improve a player’s manual dexterity and computer literacy. Ever-improving technology also provides players with better graphics that give a more “realistic” virtual playing experience.

    Recent Studies

    However, numerous studies show that video games, especially ones with violent content, make teens more aggressive. Part of the increase in aggressive behavior is linked to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. In one study by Walsh (2000), a majority of teens admitted that their parents do not impose a time limit on the number of hours they are allowed to play video games. The study also showed that most parents are unaware of the content or the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating (see below) of the video games their children play.

    The authors also stated that teens who play violent video games for extended periods of time:

    • Tend to be more aggressive
    • Are more prone to confrontation with their teachers
    • May engage in fights with their peers
    • See a decline in school achievements.

    Gentile & Anderson (2003)

    state that playing video games may increase aggressive behavior because violent acts are continually repeated throughout the video game. This method of repetition has long been considered an effective teaching method in reinforcing learning patterns.

    Video games also encourage players to identify with and role play their favorite characters. This is referred to as a “first-person” video game (Anderson & Dill, 2000, p. 788) because players are able to make decisions affecting the actions of the character they are imitating. After a limited amount of time playing a violent video game, a player can “automatically prime aggressive thoughts” (Bushman & Anderson, 2002, p. 1680). The researchers concluded that players who had prior experience playing violent video games responded with anincreased level of aggression when they encountered confrontation (Bushman & Anderson, 2002).

    American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

    Caution parents about violence in the media and its negative effect on children. Their report states that exposure to violent media can elevate aggressive feelings and thoughts, especially in children. These effects on aggressive behavior can be long-term. Although fewer studies have been conducted on interactive video games, evidence suggests that playing violent video games may have a more dramatic influence on the behavior of children and adolescents (Joint Statement, 2000).

    Tips on managing your child’s media consumption

    Because of the popularity of video games, completely eliminating them from your child’s life might be difficult. But you can decrease the negative impact that they have on your child. Here are a few tips:

    • Know the rating of the video games your child plays (see below).
    • Do not install video game equipment in your child’s bedroom.
    • Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.
    • Monitor all of your child’s media consumption — video games, television, movies and Internet.
    • Supervise your child’s Internet use — there are now many “video games” available for playing online.
    • Take the time to discuss with your children the games they are playing or other media they are watching. Ask your children how they feel about what they observe in these video games, television programs or movies. This is an opportunity to share your feelings and grow closer with your child.
    • Share with other parents information about certain games or ideas for helping each other in parenting

    The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

    Similar to the movie industry’s rating system, all major game companies now submit their new products for rating to specially trained raters at the ESRB. The ESRB rates over 1,000 games per year.

    The ESRB looks at a number of factors when rating games. In particular, it considers the amount of violence, sex, controversial language and substance abuse found in a game. Based on its developed guidelines, the ESRB then gives an age recommendation and content descriptor to each game submitted. The following are the rating symbols currently in use, according to the ESRB Web site.

    • Early Childhood (EC): Content should be suitable for children 3 years and older and contain no objectionable material.
    • Everyone (E): Content suitable for persons ages 6 and older. The game may contain minimal violence and some “comic mischief.”
    • Teen (T): Content suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Content is more violent than (E) rating and contains mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
    • Mature (M): Content suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Content definitely has more mature sexual themes, intense violence and stronger language.
    • Adults Only (AO): Content suitable only for adults and may contain graphic sex and/or violence. Adult Only products are not intended for persons under the age of 18.
      Rating Pending (RP): Game has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting a final rating.

    Research: WEB, http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp,

    References

    Bushman, B. & Anderson, C. (2002). Violent Video Games and Hostile Expectations: A Test of the General Aggression Model. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, 1679-1686.

    Gentile, D. A. & Anderson, C. A. (2003). Violent video games: The newest media violence hazard. In D. A. Gentile (Ed.), Media violence and children. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing.

    Gentile, D. A., Lynch, P., Linder, J. & Walsh, D. (2004). The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, 27, 5-22.

    Joint Statement on the Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children: Congressional Public Health Summit. (July 26, 2000.) Available: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/ releases/jstmtevc.htm.

    Walsh, D. (2000). Interactive violence and children: Testimony submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate. (March 21, 2000.)

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  • Give It Up For Your Child’s Coach!

    Give It Up For Your Child’s Coach!

    Volunteer coaches are adults who love sports and enjoy working with and being around young people. They understand kids will make mistakes and even throw tantrums from time to time. What we don’t understand is why parents have to throw tantrums too. All around the world, reports show of parents (adults) fighting, shouting and criticising referees, players and coaches and even the kids.

    As a parent, you need to model sportsmanship to your child, and you can start by practicing three simple strategies at your child’s next game:

    • Avoid negative talk about the coach (and others). If you haven’t anything positive to say than say nothing.
    • Ask what you can do to help.
    • Thank the Coach for his time and get your child to do the safe.

    “Parents, coaches and players should realise that they are all on the same team. Enjoyment and success can be assured if this is a harmonious 3-way partnership. When all three are working together for the benefit of the player and his development, there is a much greater chance that this young talent will reach his full potential”

    Most coaches want to give their players a positive experience. That’s why it’s so important that you focus on what’s best about your child’s coach instead looking for negatives. Sometimes, this can be difficult when you’re surrounded by other parents who just want to be negative, complain and constantly question or challenge a coach’s decisions. But this a perfect opportunity for you to be a positive role model, for your child, other players and other parents. Don’t be afraid t shout down the negative talkers.

    Be a Positive Parent

    One complaining onlooker can quickly infect everyone around him with feelings of anger, jealousy and ingratitude. After a few games, that kind of negative talk can become the norm at every game. You can help squelch the negativity by committing yourself to staying positive and modeling supportive, encouraging behaviours. All you child wants is for you to be supportive of them and their team.

    When others around you start complaining or disrespecting a coach, don’t fuel the fire by joining in. Stay quiet. If it continues, sit somewhere else – by other parents who are more positive or by yourself, if necessary. That might be enough to get noisy complainers to change their tone. If you feel the need to speak to a complainer personally, do it calmly and with respect. let them know the negative affect they are having on everyone.

    You might say:

    ‘We’re supposed to be role models for the kids. Let’s avoid any negative talk about the coaches and compete with character. Let’s be positive and encouraging, let’s praise a little more and instruct less.

    You can model sportsmanship by making only positive and supportive comments or statements about the coach in front of players and other parents. Also, ask the coach what you can do to help create a positive experience for the team. You may be able to help out in some way, you never know.

    Most importantly, don’t forget to say “Thank you!” And say it often. Make it a point to show your appreciation after every training and at matches. Encourage your child to do the same. By practicing these three strategies – avoiding negative talk, helping out and saying thanks – you can teach your child a lifelong lesson about sportsmanship and competing with character, also in life saying THANKS goes along way!!!

    -End

    I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. Thanks for reading. I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

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  • Keep parents in the loop!!

    Keep parents in the loop!!

    Coaches and Parents By Malcolm Cook

    I caught up with Malcolm Cook again and he gave me his views on how important it is to keep parents updated. As an experienced Coach, I have been a little alarmed and saddened to read about Junior Football clubs banning parents from watching their children practice.I find this hard to believe and think they are making a big mistake as far as their childrens ultimate footballing (and life) development is concerned.It never fails to amaze me how some Coaches and Clubs tend to treat parents or guardians as second-class citizens!

    Parents are part of the Team

    I have always seen them as a part of my coaching “team” and essential to my process of giving each child the best coaching experience we can give them as a club. As a young coach I started with my School teams.I had a meeting before the season started with any Parents who wanted to come (Mums as well as Dads!) to let them know my philosophy and to give them the chance to ask any questions about their children and the way we did things. It was an ideal way to get my ideas across about how we picked teams, the behaviour we expected from the children on and off the field and a few simple rules with the parents role at training  and matches.

    Don’t leave parents in the dark!

    This helped to form good relationships and clarified a lot of issues. Later I was appointed Director of Youth at Liverpool and found to my dismay when I first arrived that parents dropped their Boys off at the Melwood training ground and either sat in the dark and rain in their car or went somewhere else before returning to pick them back up.

    I felt this was not only bad public relations for Boys that we wanted to sign for the club in competition with others but it was completely the wrong way to treat Parents who only wanted the best for their children.

    I quickly changed it by inviting the parents in and putting on tea and biscuits  and making myself available after training to talk to them over any problems or worries they might have over their Boys.

    This is where good coaching comes in-I was given information that was sometimes personal but was very important in helping me as the boys Coach in understanding why maybe the player was not progressing as fast as we thought so we could be a bit more patient and reap the benefits. This would never have happened with the old regime.

    Being a Parent

    myself, my youngest daughter became interested in Athletics. She was only aged about 11 years and was quite a good runner. I took her to the local Athletics club two evenings a week. It was dark with little lighting,little supervision or coaching,poor atmosphere and no provision or communication with parents. As a Coach, I have enough knowledge to stand -back somewhat and let the Coaches and my daughter to get on with it and support her in the background. My girl started to go off it after a few sessions as indeed many of the children did-was it any wonder?

    Parents we need YOU

    Parents are a vital part of the development equation and need to be recognised as such. Remember, they were there long before the Coach was bringing the child up, driving them about, wiping their nose and doing all the things Parents do. The Coach, of course needs to set some limits on the roles they both take. Some Parents are not always easy to get on with and others are are frankly poor role-models for their children. The Coach needs to step carefully in such cases and mainly for the childs sake, seek to work with the Parents in a positive way. At times the Parents behaviour may go over acceptable limits and the Coach may have to ban him from attending training and matches.

    However I believe that by forming good relationships at the start with Parents you are demonstrating the art of good coaching and developing a better atmosphere for all at the club – Keep parents in the loop Coaches !!!

    Malcolm Cook is founder of Freeflow Football keep an eye out for his new site, soon to launch in the coming weeks

    Click on this link to view a previous post about Malcolm  https://www.thecoachdiary.com/?p=599

    Thanks for that post Malcolm

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