Football is one of the world’s most popular sports, and for many, their love of the game starts young. Being introduced to football at a young age offers many advantages. Not only can it inspire a life-long love of the sport but it also comes with many physical, mental, emotional and social benefits too!
If you want to ignite a passion for football in young people and support them to take that first kick, here are some of our top tips for coaching children’s football.
Safety First
Safety should always be a first priority when coaching children’s football. As a children’s football coach, you’re in a position of great trust and parents and carers will want to feel reassured that you’ve done all you can to create a safe environment for their child’s coaching session.
This covers everything from the basics, such as ensuring that the training facilities and the equipment you use are fit for purpose, to carrying out risk assessments and ensuring you have a relevant first aid qualification from a reputable first aid training provider.
You’ll also need to make sure you have a current enhanced DBS check, safeguarding training and any other coaching qualifications required.
Know Your Stuff On Children’s Football
The age of the children you coach will have a significant impact on how you approach and run your sessions.
Different ages can bring different physical capabilities, in terms of the skills they can master, but will also have different levels of understanding and even different attention spans.
Generally speaking, younger children are able to concentrate for shorter periods, and can more easily become tired or distracted. This might mean you need to incorporate shorter drills into your training sessions and find fun ways to keep them engaged.
Although regardless of age groups, every child is different and it’s up to us as coaches to find ways of engaging every child.
Knowing all this before you even step onto the training pitch will not only help your success as a coach but also the success of the children.
Tailor Each Session When Coaching Children’s Football
We’ve already spoken about the importance of tailoring your sessions to different age groups but when it comes to children’s football coaching, you also need to consider the different skill levels and learning styles of the children you’re teaching.
Children learn in different ways and master new skills at different rates. It’s important to recognise this so you can help children get the most out of their coaching sessions. This might mean finding new ways to explain or demonstrate a drill or technique so that a child can understand or adapting a training exercise so that everyone in the team can get something from it.
At Kixx, we believe the joy of football coaching isn’t about teaching children to win, but about nurturing them as they grow and develop their skills, make new friends and build their confidence.
Research shows that when children are enjoying themselves and feel good about what they’re doing, they’re more motivated to continue doing it.
Positivity
Leading on nicely from our last point, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere is crucial when coaching children’s football.
Children learn and develop best when they feel safe and supported. As a coach, it’s your job to create a space where kids feel able to try new things and make mistakes without fear of getting it wrong. Children of all ages want to feel that their hard work will be recognised and that their achievements – no matter how big or small – will be celebrated.
Building Relationships As A Children’s Football Coach
As a children’s football coach, the relationships you build are key. This includes both the relationships you build with the children that you teach and also their parents, guardians and families, as well as your relationship with the wider community.
Getting to know the children you coach and building a strong understanding during their training sessions will help the children feel safe and supported, which will improve their coaching experience and make them want to keep coming back.
It’s equally important to build good relationships with parents and carers, by providing regular updates on their child’s progress and keeping open channels of communication. This allows parents to support their children and you also you as a coach.
Positioning yourself positively in your local region can really help raise your profile and attract new members to your academy, but more importantly showcase the care you have for making a difference to your local community and the lives of children within it.
Coaching Children’s Football At Kixx
Here at Kixx, it’s no secret that we think children’s football coaching is a hugely rewarding experience like no other!
We can help aspiring football coaches achieve their dreams of running their own football academy by becoming part of #TeamOrange and joining the Kixx franchise.
If you’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of football stars, check out our careers portal or learn more about our franchising opportunities.
Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to a member of the Kixx team about children’s football coaching, you can also call us on 01302 618080 or email admin@kixx.org.uk.
