Creating a healthy, happy environment

Similarly, some players may occasionally need more attention than others. They may, for example, be going through something for which they will need your support.

It is important to remember that even the players that seem to need less focus and support may, in fact, need it, and you should make sure they know it is there.

If giving individual players equal attention is something you want to do, then consider tracking it. 

As coaches, we write down notes about our sessions – why not keep a tick list of who you have spoken to at each session?

Be prepared

On top of everything a coach already has to do in a session, chatting to your players may seem like an added task. In truth, it should be the most important one.

If you are prepared ahead of time, with a session planned and equipment packed and ready, you have already done the majority of the football-thinking needed for your session. This means you have the mental space to be able to engage.

Create structure and routines

Consistency breeds security. Players need to know the big things - that they are training at regular times and that the same coaches will be there – and also some of the smaller things, such as having a specific area for them to put their water bottles in.

If things are going to change, try not to change too many of them all at once. And talk about them – tell your players what those changes are and why they are happening.

Set boundaries and expectations

Every environment needs a defining framework. As a coach, you can set this, but it will be even more effective if you work it out with your players.

Think about what you want – players, for example, listening when you are speaking, everyone picking the cones up at the end of the session, players offering each other feedback in a positive manner.

Then ask your players what they want – how do they want to be spoken to? What things do they see as unacceptable? How should they be dealt with?

Write these boundaries and expectations down as a sort of code of conduct, so that everyone can refer back to them when required.

It is natural for young people to push and challenge these boundaries and expectations. When this happens, it is your job to think about why, and remind people of what was agreed.

Show up as your true self

The unique value you have as a coach is who you are, and not imitating who you have seen others be.

In the same way that you want to see your players be their authentic selves, they want that from you. They want to know what you find funny, what kind of music you listen to, what kind of day you have had.

Obviously, there is a line. Young players, for example, don’t need to know the ins and outs of your terrible day. But it could be useful for them to hear you say you made a mistake, or you are feeling a bit down. 

"Just as you want your players to be their authentic selves, they want that from you..."

It is important for players to see that coaches have emotions, too.

Role model behaviours

It may not always seem like it, but your players look up to you. They are extremely perceptive to how you behave and what you do.

Always be there earlier than your players. Be prepared. Treat all players as equals. Don’t swear. Do all of the things you ask of your players – it shouldn’t be one rule for you and another for them. Hold them accountable and allow them to do the same for you.

Plan non-football events

Can you have a social event every couple of months? It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate - just a space where the players can exist together outside of football.

Where possible, celebrate birthdays. Again, it doesn’t have to be big – just say a few words about the player whose birthday it is and ask the other players to sing to them.

Review and seek feedback

In order to keep an environment positive, it needs monitoring.

That can look like reflections after sessions, regular check-ins with players, or even things like anonymous surveys.

As we described in an earlier issue, getting someone else’s perspective on things can also be incredibly useful. It is hard to be objective when you are inside it – get another coach to observe your environment and let you know what they see.

Get yourself a support network

Nurturing a positive environment can be tough. It requires time, effort and difficult conversations.

To do that to the best of your ability, try to check in with your own mental health. Make sure you have people around you with whom you can talk about some of the challenges, and lean on when things get tough.