Why coaches need to evolve with the game

SS: What was your first leadership role in the game beyond coaching?

KT: I was a director of coaching and technical director of several clubs during my career. I also started and ran my own club.

All of these experiences have led me to where I am now.

SS: Can you share more about the Women in Youth Sports Coalition (WIYSC)? What is its purpose and why is this important to you?

KT: The purpose of WIYSC is to provide resources and support to women in the youth game.

There are a lot of women who feel like they are on an island in this male-dominated field. We want to provide them access to other women and opportunities to network with other females.

SS: Why is coaching education and continuing education so important for coaches?

KT: The game and people are always evolving and, as coaches, we need to grow and evolve with the game and our players. 

This will allow us to provide the best environments for players to succeed and fall in love with the game, to become lifelong fans.

SS: What advice would you give to a young female coach starting on her coaching journey? What coaching courses would you recommend she start with and why?

KT: Take your time and learn as much about all aspects of the game as possible. Talk about the game as much as possible.

It is very important to provide an environment where players can experiment and grow at their own pace, but we also are there as coaches to challenge them.

Always be learning, whether it’s through formal or informal education. Be a student of all aspects of the game.

SS: What advice would you give to a young, female coach starting on her coaching ourney?

KT: Take your time and learn as much about all aspects of the game as possible. Talk about the game as much as possible.

It is very important to provide an environment where players can experiment and grow at their own pace, but we are also there to challenge them.

[You should] always be learning, whether it’s through formal or informal education. Be a student of all aspects of the game.

SS: What advice would you give to any coach interested in getting more involved with coaching education?  How could coaches influence their clubs or schools to invest in coaching education?

KT: If you want to be part of coaching education, learn the game from everybody. There is no one way to play this sport, so be open to other ideas and viewpoints.

I am a firm believer that you need to be educated before you can have a say on how things are to be done or critique others.

SS: Have you seen the number of women coaching grow in the last five to 10 years? What would you attribute this growth to?

KT: I have seen the number of women growing, yes. I think this is due to the amount of money that is being invested into women’s sports.

People are seeing a good return on investment in women’s sports and want to be involved.

SS: So how can clubs, schools and directors support their newer and beginner coaches? How can they support their female coaches and promote their development?

KT: Organizations need to understand what the roles and tasks of a coach are and then provide their coaches with all the necessary resources to be successful in their roles.

To help female coaches, organizations need to provide environments that support females both at work and in their daily lives as well.

I have seen the number of women in leadership roles grow but that number is not consistent. They get a role, leave it and are replaced by men.

I see a revolving number of women in leadership roles. I don’t see enough women helping women into new leadership roles.