Written by Julie Keiter and featured in the July 2023 print edition!
As spring sports recently came to an end, many families might be missing the excitement of getting to watch their little (or not so little) one play on the field. Others might be enjoying summer leagues or playing in tournaments.
This spring, I had the privilege of coaching my niece’s U7 co-ed soccer team for the NL Soccer Club. It was my second coaching experience for the NL Soccer Club, my first one being for U10 girls. I had the usual fears that one would expect as a new coach. Will the kids listen to me? Will the parents be difficult? Will I be able to teach them the necessary skills to get through games?
All of my worries quickly disappeared after breaking the ice with a great group of kids and parents. Many parents are juggling multiple children in various sports and just cannot commit to coaching. The parents of the players were genuinely thankful for the coaches giving their time and effort into the team.
In both of my coaching experiences, the teams were in critical need of a coach just days before the season was scheduled to start. Thankfully, I was able to have assistant coaches in both circumstances.
While coaching my nieces’ U7 team, I was lucky enough to have my sister-in-law helping to coach as well. She never played sports in her life, but she learned a lot during the season and is now not afraid to coach in the future! Plus, when trying to get eight tiny giggle monsters to focus on a soccer drill, the extra help is needed. I must admit, it is a much different experience to get hands-on interaction and coach a family member. As wonderful as it is to get to watch them play, it is even more rewarding to pass on the knowledge I have of a beloved sport.
Like many youth sports organizations, the NL Soccer Club is always in need of volunteer coaches. I played a variety of sports growing up and had many coaches that left lasting impacts on me, both positive and negative. My love for competitive sports followed me into adulthood, and I continue to play on adult sports teams. The fundamentals that I was taught so long ago have stuck with me all these years, and I try to pass them on to the kids I coach.
One thing I always strive for is to coach good sportsmanship and to keep a positive attitude. Even at such a young age, kids can be very competitive. Win or lose, I do everything I can to make sure they have fun and feel like they contributed at the end of the game. There were many times that it felt like herding sheep, but it was all worth it when I saw small improvements in their skills, their confidence boost, or watched them apply what we have been practicing. It is truly a privilege to be able to be a positive role model for young athletes.
Our community is filled with knowledgeable and dedicated people who strive to ensure our youth have the best opportunity to succeed. If you have ever considered getting involved in coaching, I can assure you there is a village that is ready and willing to give you the tools you need to successfully run a team. In addition to coaches, there are other volunteers needed to run a sports club. Sponsors from local businesses are also necessary to enable our clubs to have equipment and uniforms.
So I ask you, is there anything you can give to your community’s sports organizations?
