Sport is ever more present in our lives today. In particular soccer, this is the most popular across the world today, thanks to the various media that bring it into our households.

This massive media exposure that we and our children get to soccer reflects the importance it is now plays in our lives, whether we are still actively playing, coaching and managing or simply spectating and supporting our team.

Soccer brings a wealth of satisfying and uplifting experiences through involvement, particularly playing where a real sense of belonging, team spirit, competition and achievement can be felt.

This is vitally important today as children have more and more competing attractions for their spare time, an alarming amount which are sedentary! Soccer on the other hand, can promote physical fitness, mental health and �life skills� which are so important in today�s society.

All of these benefits and the fond memories it can leave us with!

Therefore, should you be so lucky to enjoy the game and have young player�s eager to get involved, there is no better way than to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the game than coaching!

The effective checklist details are:

• Posses desirable personal traits

• Have a wide knowledge of coaching methods and be able to select and implement to help the players learn

• Constantly strives to build own knowledge base to improve sessions

• Be able to build effective rapport with players and parents to generate a good team atmosphere

• Demonstrate �can do� behaviours and take responsibility for the teams development and achievements

• Show a variety of methods, whole group, zonal and individual coaching

• Create a suitable atmosphere for learning which is safe and supportive

• Well planned, organised sessions with a definite beginning (technique), middle (skill) and end (small sided game)

• Have well established training and pre-game routines. E.g. Warm ups & Cool Downs

• Make efficient use of the limited time available

• Lead by example and demonstrate high standards of presentation and healthy lifestyle

• Excellent communication skills, flagging learning direction and intention and more importantly can listen and empathise with the players

• Demonstrates good self control, calmness and coolness especially during conflict situations

• Encourages players to think for themselves

• Provides quality feedback and demonstrates a positive approach by motivating the team and individuals with positive remarks enthusiastically

• Actively evaluates coaching sessions

• Develops a sound knowledge of child development and looks to integrate this into their sessions

• Has high expectations of all players, in terms of their behaviour�s towards the coach, team mates, supporters, activities, games, officials and opponents

• Demonstrates enthusiastically and animatedly with good pace according to skill level and ability of players

• And finally, which is an absolute must�a great sense of humour and the ability to laugh and have fun

As a coach you will develop your own personal style and discover over time the best way to interact with your team.

All of this will be driven by your keenness and drive, your limitations and strengths, your personality, experience and philosophy.

This is a checklist to help you to begin to focus on the key areas that will help you the coach become more accepted by your young players.

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