The three flavours of grassroots coaches

The parent coach

This coach is a wonderful resource in grassroots youth coaching. They have a child of the age and are already committed to the schedule of games and training. They are also often a member of the community from which other families in the team are from.

However, it is a challenge for them to coach their own child while balancing the twin traps of favouritism or being extra tough on their offspring. It is also a challenge to manage expectations of other parents who can forget the unique authority of the coach.

How long should the parent-coach stay with the team? A two-season term is good for consistency and also allows for new inputs - particularly from the previous coach, if they are still within the club.

The former player coach

Personal experience of the game and the ability to demonstrate knowledge are assets. Not being directly related to any of the players is also helpful in maintaining a distinct role with all constituents.

A challenge comes when the coach lives out their playing experience vicariously through young athletes - particularly when that experience is mostly in the adult game.

 

"We should be advocates for formal coach education at every level..."

 
Also, if the coach has not been around the age group as a teacher or parent they may be unprepared for the developmental needs of youth players.

Common sense tells us typical 8-10-year- olds do not do calculus in Maths or study Shakespeare in English and yet too often in youth coaching, large tactical concepts of the 11 v 11 game are presented.

The hired/outside coach

A coach with specific experience of the age group, and who is not part of the parent cohort, brings great potential value to the club and team.

Such a coach should have experience of what is developmentally appropriate for the age and level of the team. They should also bring a good perception of impartiality in how they assess the players.

From club and team perspective, managing the loyalty of the independent coach can be a challenge. At a minimum, a handshake commitment on the part of the coach and the club as to tenure is important to establish up front.

There is no single definition of the grassroots youth coach. There are many ways to begin the journey into coaching that can be enjoyable and successful for everyone in the environment.

When clubs and teams put good thought and intention into recruitment, placement and support of coaches, it is the players who will be the greatest beneficiaries.