| Warren Buffet might not know soccer, but when he | | | | 7. Leadership, responsibility, and commitment all have |
| said, "Tell me your heroes and I'll tell you how your life | | | | their own rewards and these are abundant when you |
| will end up", he was onto something. When it comes to | | | | coach soccer. |
| coaching, everyone wants a say but few are willing to | | | | 8. If you are a player in a club you get praise from |
| turn their words into action and take a team... even | | | | members in the club, you get on the "in" with the other |
| under 8's which is where yours truly started. How can | | | | coaches in case you wanted to advance a career in |
| You enjoy coaching soccer? | | | | this way, and you get some equipment to use |
| Let me count the ways: | | | | whenever you want to improve your own game. |
| 1. Coach your kids and you get to spend more time | | | | 9. It will add to your attractiveness to employers as |
| with them at something you can help them have fun at | | | | coaching soccer or any sport, shows the attributes |
| AND enjoy mastering new skills. | | | | above. These are easily re-worded to suit the job |
| 2. Coaching young people of any age gives you the | | | | type. E.g. Active Member of my Community. It shows |
| opportunity to have a massive and important influence | | | | commitment, reliability, purpose, and that you can get |
| on the future of your community and country! This is | | | | out of bed in the morning. |
| not just talk. Ask any adult who has played sport for a | | | | 10. Personal satisfaction. Winning your competition, one |
| while and there is a good chance the had great people | | | | game, or having kept a bunch of people happy and off |
| who were their coaches. | | | | the streets. Plus you are involved doing what you love, |
| 3. You will be remembered for all the right reasons and | | | | Soccer (sport). I once coached soccer at a local high |
| kids will copy your example. There are no less than 3 | | | | school and these young boys (11 and 12 yrs) came to |
| great coaches I remember until I left town at 17. Mr | | | | class with short black pen marked on the top of their |
| Nicolas (Fatherly man who really cared and It was | | | | wrists and hands... "What is that for?", I asked, "We're |
| much appreciate) Mr Edgar (fantastic accent I still | | | | you" they said! Never under estimate your power. |
| haven't mastered but he was fair and encouraging), | | | | There are many coaching videos, courses (often run |
| and lastly Bobby "Feed the Bear" Mutter (A burly | | | | by your local Soccer Club), books and other coaches |
| Scotsman whose belief in me propelled my confidence | | | | to help you. A good way to start is to support the |
| sky high, I can still hear him call, "Who's the boss | | | | coach, be a manager, or gear minder person and learn |
| Richard? Show him who's the boss!" | | | | that way. Showing up to practices to help is also |
| 4. You get to develop skills in something you have a | | | | useful. |
| passion for and coaching soccer skills is full of | | | | Coaching soccer is a full on commitment that reflects |
| challenge and rewards. | | | | everything the Real Madrid's and Manchester United |
| 5. Get a life! No longer wandering the streets looking | | | | coaches experience (except the money and chance |
| for something or sitting in front of the TV, rock up to | | | | off being replaced if you lose!) So enjoy the rush of |
| your local soccer club or school and I'm sure there will | | | | excitement and adrenaline that coaching gives on |
| be opportunities to add a new dimension to your life | | | | matchday. |
| and the lives of others. | | | | (PS. Look up soccer club directory online in the search |
| 6. Build contacts in your community and neighborhood. | | | | box or thumb through your phonebook to find a club |
| If you coach kids they have parents and they have | | | | near you.) Get out there coaching soccer and make a |
| lives too that may provide a way to help you with | | | | difference and remember, if you are there for the |
| something in your life. | | | | game or kids... you have already won. |