WELCOME TO THE COACHES’ CORNER!
Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It can occur after an impact to your head or after a whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth. A concussion results in an altered mental state that may include becoming unconscious. Players will benefit from their coaches being aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Coaches please read, print off , and keep the below information on hand:
Role of the Coach
A coach should help to improve the performance of the players (and the team) both physically and psychologically. The position of coach is demanding and multi-faceted. Parent, teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, organizer – these are some of the duties demanded of the coach. When players sign-up with a club, they expect to receive something for their registration fee – they want to play and learn and they also want to do so in an enjoyable environment. Shaping the lives of young people is a large responsibility, affected not only by what we teach but also the way we teach. The process of learning is at least as important as the product.
In addition to what they learn about soccer, children may learn to be better people. You may be overwhelmed by your influence, but you accept that influence when you assume the position of coach. To develop players, you must have a sound knowledge of the game. This knowledge relates to skill, technique, tactics, fitness, and Laws of the Game. Coaches are, generally, knowledgeable about some of these aspects, but weak in others. Good coaches are always seeking new ideas to develop their knowledge of the game and players. As coaches, we must try to find out what potential a player has so that we can develop that potential and make the player the best player he or she can be.
A Coach’s Creed
The primary responsibility of a youth soccer coach is to help the young player to have fun, learn and improve. This responsibility makes a youth coach different from any other official in the club, league or association. We (coaches) coach for the joy and success of the players – and no other reason.
Communication with Parents
Dear coach, one simple way to improve communication with your player’s parents is by sending them a general information letter. Parents like to be involved and informed, having a set of guidelines and expectations will aid in helping everyone in their roles.
What Do I Have to Do to Become a Coach?
Spruce Grove Soccer is a volunteer run organization and relies on volunteer coaches for our teams. Without coaches there are no teams. Coaches will be provided with opportunities for coaching education and development through paid courses and in-season support. Quite often coaches come to us with little to no experience and that’s okay! With a desire to work with youth and a passion to lead we will help the rest! Coaches receive credit towards registration fees the next season.
The most important thing is that you enjoy working with kids & that you have the desire to learn as well as teach!
ASA offers the Certification Courses & has an excellent breakdown of what is required to become a fully certified Community Coach. See our Coaches Courses page
For coaches of Tier 1 and Tier 2 club level teams, the “B” License program is available. For details contact the Alberta Soccer Association 780-474-2200 ext. 228
Developing Players Guides
We have compiled a variety of resources that will help provide coaches with ideas to help challenge their players in ball handling skills and team drills, see our coaches resources page for player development information.
Helpful links and information
Please review these links, as well as our Policies and Governance page, for information that should help you in your coaching journey.
Alberta Soccer Association – Has information on coaching courses
general information letter to give to players parents
SGSA Code of Conduct (should be signed by each coach at beginning of season)
SGSA Policies re: Coaching, Etc. (review each season, there may be updates!)
Sideline Soccer Etiquette – May want to provide to parents
9 Steps for a Successful Coach
National Soccer Coaches Association of America (includes online coaching courses)
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