Do's and Don'ts of Youth Football Soccer Coaching.
9th October 2011

Youth football coaches do not just teach young footballers the skills required, they also have a duty of care to the young players they are coaching. 

The conduct a youth football coach displays towards young people has a huge influence on them.

Here are a few Do's and Don'ts that should be followed or avoided  by the youth football coach, to get the best out of both the players and the coach himself.

DO: Listen to the players. During the season or an individual match, allow the players to voice their opinion, they are in the best position to know what works for the team and what doesn't, so respect your players' opinions and listen carefully.

DON'T: Argue with or criticize match officials because you think you know what the right decision should be, despite having a completely different view of the incident.

DO: Create a positive relationship with your team from the outset, be as approachable as you can be, and develop a mutual respect with them.

DON'T: Single out player and criticize them for making mistakes or for getting things wrong on the pitch. The best way to learn is from your mistakes, therefore a young footballer has to make them to improve, and they will make a lot of them.

DO: Be consistent and do not break your own rules or allow exceptions for the "Best" player; it will always end badly for both the player and the coach.

DON'T: Over use or over-rely on the most skillful players. Football is a team game and not an individual sport for just a few players.

DO: Praise your players, though only for their effort and not for individual skill, and never praise just for winning.

DON'T: Allow your parents to hide behind "banter", if they don't have anything positive to say, don't allow them to say it. It is not acceptable and it is not banter.

DO: Remember your team is made up of individuals who respond to criticism, whether it is constructive or not, it is still criticism, and consider how you would feel if you are constantly criticized.

DON'T: Pick your team to win-at-all-costs, leaving the weaker players of the squad on the side-lines, because you think your team will not win. All teams do it, sadly, but why not go against the tide and pick your teams to play at all costs and not win.

DO: Enjoy coaching young players and do everything positive to get the best out of your players and team.

Further Reading:/p>

• The FA's Youth Masterplan

• FA Small Sided Football Guide

• FA Coaching Badges
  

• FA Young Player Development Recommendations>

• FA The Future Game

• FA The Coaching Pathway