Putting It All Together
Athletes learn the game of soccer not only through the directed learning
experiences that coaches provide in practice and game play but also
through indirect means by observation and imitation. As a sport
leader, you are a powerful and lasting role model for athletes by your
thought, word and deed. Parents and coaches can serve as a
player's greatest ally or worst nightmare depending on the attitude,
behavior and motivation adopted for sport involvement.
Remember, the game is for the kids. It is not for the ego or
bragging rights of adults. Our role, as coaches, is to provide an
opportunity for participation for all interested youngsters, access to
appropriate and safe environments for instruction and competition,
exposure to caring and competent leaders, holistic consideration of the
child's entire development (physical, cognitive, social and
psychological) and an unwavering belief in the worth and ability of
children to succeed at their own unique level of accomplishment.
When coaches expect every athlete to succeed, it's amazing how many of
them really do.
Rather than measuring success in terms of
numbers in the win/loss columns, perhaps the ultimate standard of our
success as coaches should be judged by our ability to teach children to
love and enjoy the game of soccer, to feel more confident and
self-assured in their abilities and knowledge of the game, to experience
mutual respect from both teammates and coaches, and most importantly, to
feel appreciation and pride in the opportunity they had to play a sport
they love under you direction as their coach.
Dr. Colleen Hacker
Sports Psychology
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, Washington
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