Coaches need to have fun too!
Coaching youth soccer is not an easy task.  Be sure to take care of yourself, eat right, hydrate and get enough sleep.  Before
walking out on to the soccer field, leave all of your worries and woes in the car.  If you're not in the best physical condition then
arrive a few minutes early and stretch out, prepare yourself for the activity.  

The coach's fun is one of the most important aspects of any successful season.  When the coach is not having fun, it will be
sensed by the entire team.  When the coach is not having fun then the players will not have fun.  Be sure to arrange your practice
and game strategies to include activities you as the coach will  personally enjoy.  

Be sure to arrange your practice and game strategies to include activities you as the coach will  personally enjoy.  

Tips for having fun at practice:
  1. Understand your priorities and stick to them:  (1) Safety, (2) Fun, (3) Development and skill building
  2. Be prepared, make your plan the night before.  See "Practice" for more information.
  3. Be flexible, if something in your plan isn't working then switch to something that will.  Coaching is a learning experience,
    sometimes what looks good on paper doesn't work out so well on the field.  It's always good to have a few back up
    games that you know the kids will love.  
  4. Plan to be the first to arrive, expect to be the last to leave
  5. Set the tone of your practice sessions and hold the team accountable.  See more on this on the "Safety and Security"
  6. Openly discuss the importance of having a good sportsmanlike attitude with both players and parents.
  7. Smile and remember the saying "Attitudes are contagious, what are you spreading?"  

Tips for having fun at games:
  1. Don't go hungry or with too much coffee
  2. Leave early / don't rush to the game - avoid speeding
  3. Meet the opposing coaches, shake hands, ask their first name and wish them luck.  
  4. Say hello to every player on your team, ask them how they're doing and make them feel welcome
  5. Implement your game plan.  See "Games" for more information
  6. Do not to instruct during the games, the time for instruction is at practice.  
  7. Allow the players to get into situations where they have to make decisions on their own
  8. Expect the players to make mistakes and reassure them when it happens
  9. Cheer on the other team too
  10. Talk calmly and try not to yell, relax and enjoy
Fun = Skill Development = Success
Fun for Coaches