The apparatus was a 5×5 patch of synthetic grass that puts the finest blade of grass that nature has to offer to shame, 4 cones, 1 soccer ball, 1 enthusiastic youngster that was demanding a kick all day, 1 patient old timer (me), and 2 smiles.

Method

Warm up: two goals and a quick run around to get the blood pumping. The game was played at a ferocious pace with Jack winning 6-2 on aggregate.

Once I got my breath back, we practiced the art of heading. A smaller, lighter ball was used to allow for correct technique.

After a few headers we moved straight into some zigzags which proved a little too difficult for the little guy. After battling through the cones for 3 sets we pulled the pin and opted for some shooting.

Shooting was definitely the highlight which involved an over theatrical goalkeeper trying to save shots from a distance of 2 meters. The theatrics and dives that followed would embarrass even the great Greg Lucanis.

The tension was building and after a long run up the backyard was filled with laughter. A 4 year old giggling hysterically at my attempts to stop the ball would motivate even the most cynical coach.

Such laughter not only inspires but also motivates you to continue the session. The only reward is the sound of laughter and a young child grasping his stomach.

Shooting was short lived when the ball was kicked over the fence and into the neighboring property. The pursuit for the ball began with a walk around the block that involved a piggyback ride and a few missing chunks of hair.

Skills, Development

The short session in the back yard focused on shooting, heading, passing, competition and fun.

Conclusion

Every time I see Jack he demands we play soccer. If it’s not soccer its jumping on the trampoline but that’s another story.

Does Jack really want to play soccer?

Maybe! Maybe not!

Does he want to hold his stomach in hysterics while trying not to piss himself?

What do you think?

The friendship, the laughter and the victories will echo in eternity. If the laughter continues and the jocks remain dry, there is no reason why little Jack couldn’t be the next Harry Kewell.

“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”

A quick question, what is the most popular game in the world?

Can anyone guess?

That’s right, it’s soccer, not Mario brothers.

The benefits and beauty of Kids Soccer are enormous and should not be substituted for any computer game or virtual reality. Grass stains and bruises should not be replaced with joysticks and gaming consoles. Dreams, hope and the fairytale should burn in every young child not the achievement of level 3 in Mario Brothers or the latest DVD set.

An active happy kid is a healthy kid. What better way to keep your kids active and happy by introducing them to soccer? Apart from the obvious fitness benefits, soccer also develops the social skills of all children participating which will serve them for years to come. You never know, they might even find a new best friend.

Soccer is a team sport that allows kids to learn how to share, listen and co-operate and how to leverage their efforts in a team environment. What could be healthier for your child than a group of like-minded friends that share the same passion?

The game will also introduce them to the world of competition and will allow them to develop new skills and techniques that will serve them throughout their life.

What most parents fail to understand is that soccer is not just a sport but rather a lifestyle. A routine such as soccer creates a healthy habit, which will inevitably lead to a healthy lifestyle. What more could you possibly ask for?

Throw in a few smiles, laughter and a handful of friends and the importance of soccer clearly becomes evident. The beauty of kids soccer should never be jeopardised at the expense of Sony or Nintendo.

The beautiful world game has unearthed superstars, great athletes, leaders and some bigger than life characters. What has Nintendo discovered? Mind numbing entertainment that serves no benefit at all would be one.

“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”

Well stare into the page and listen.

As you start reading this post you find yourself relaxed and peaceful. As you sit there on your chair, you start to feel a sense of calm. As you read every word on this page you start to breathe heavily and you start to get sleepy.

As you analyse each word, one followed by the other, you will start to feel amazed.

As you read this short article you will begin to discover new ways of coaching kids soccer. And you will sink deeper and deeper. And you will start to feel better and better about the game. As you browse towards the end, slowly your coaching problems will disappear.

Now that you’re under my spell, answer the following questions.

When you coach kids soccer, who are you trying to please?

Are you trying to carve out a career, make a difference or is it the money?

Is it more important to increase the number of players in your team or to increase the development of the existing squad?

Do you allow players to be social architects (thanks Howard Gray, hope you don’t mind) or do you maintain strict discipline?

Are you the expert? Please tell me you didn’t answer “yes”.

Do you network, share ideas and ask for help when needed?

Is perfection important? If you’re chasing perfection or demand it, good luck with that. Let me know how you go.

Do you want a TEAM? Together everybody achieves more should ring a bell.

Do you only coach the handful of talented players while using the other children as pawns? Admit it, you do it! I’ve seen this problem for over 30 years.

Are you friggin passionate? Do you bleed soccer and want the very best for your players? Answer honestly while you hide your hidden agendas.

Are you learning new techniques, drills and educating yourself? Surely you don’t know it all?

Do you challenge your players?

Is winning important? Does it supersede player development and enjoyment?

Are you prepared to fail? Be embarrassed? Be humiliated and even harassed and threatened by obsessive parents?

Do you look the part? Are you committed to the cause?

Will you fight the status quo or will you be coaching quitters?

Will you have personality and utilize your own ideas, or will you be textbook and follow the norm?

What does it mean to win? At what cost?

Do you share the responsibility, power, or is it my way or the highway?

Are you in it for the long run? Do you set long-term goals? Do you monitor the progress of your players? Do you actually care for your team and players?

Do you believe and encourage your players to believe?

Have you tried Love Based Soccer?

Now that I’ve finished the questions you will awaken from your deep sleep and feel refreshed. You will continue to coach kids soccer with passion and start to coach love based soccer.

3, your breathing is getting heavier

2, you start to focus on my voice

1, open your eyes.

The email subscription has been fixed, so jump on board

“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”

Aggressive coaches, players and even parents can be referred to as bullies. But what I find funny is that most bullies would be horrified to be called a bully.

Even funnier, for most of them, it would come as a total shock.

Everyone has been exposed to some form of bullying. Bullying at home, school and even at work.

But does it exist in soccer?

Bullying is an abuse of power by someone who is stronger physically, verbally, mentally and even socially. This abuse usually targets someone younger or someone who can’t block the bully’s mind games or cruel intentions. It usually targets someone who is regarded as mentally or physically weak.

So why does bullying exist? Why do so many youth coaches find the need to use intimidation and aggression as a means of control? Why are some kids subjected to bullying within the dynamics of their team?

Do you know the answer?

The main reason coach’s bully is because they’ve been allowed to get away with it. Over a period of time it has been condoned by players and to some extent parents.

Over the years I’ve encountered two sorts of coaching bullies. The first one, an x-player of the team had a very anti-social personality. During his playing days he would bully the younger players and this continued when he was given the chance to coach. This person, I will not disclose a name for obvious reasons, enjoyed bullying and for some strange reason expected everyone else to enjoy it as well.

The other type of bully is the arrogant, “mr know it all” and egomaniac that doesn’t even realise he is doing it and has no idea that this behaviour is unacceptable. This type of coach doesn’t know how to coach and is often frightened about the stability and safety of his coaching position.

Lets use an example for demonstration.

The coach deliberately leaves Mark out of a training drill and continues to yell at Gerry in front of the entire team. These coaches know what they are doing is wrong but don’t think they will be caught. Nor do they think it’s bullying.

Soccer bullying exists but has not been properly identified. Have you experienced bullying at soccer? If so, what have you done about it?

Players will talk about it, think about it but very rarely report it or do something about it. If your coach is a bully he needs to be put back in his place.

So what happens to the victim, the bully and the teammates?

Can this situation produce a successful soccer team?

The victim feels neglected, hurt and loses confidence. The coach feels superior, powerful and in control. The teammates no longer enjoy the game because they fear the abuse and do not want to be singled out.

So how do you stop this abuse?

Believe it or not, it’s very easy.

Gather around kids and I’ll tell you a secret.

To stop a coach bullying, players must be united. They must develop a friendship and a common language that will eliminate this behaviour and its pervasive effects. As a collective group you can warn the coach that his behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Remember this, a coach cannot coach without his team. Trust me when I tell you, the coach needs his team more than the team could ever need the coach.

The most important thing you can do as players is to acknowledge that bullying is occurring. Stick together and put a unified front.

Although times have changed dramatically since my playing days and awareness has increased, bullying isn’t going to go away. So remember to stick together like warriors and set your own rules within your gang.

Coaches are a dime a dozen, never put up with abuse!