Some coaches think their only job and concern is the sport they coach. They're wrong. Soccer is the last component of the job.
Is you show up with balls and cones, deliver a session then forget about your group until the next session, any success or enjoyment will be short lived.
I've always known that, but, for some reason, I am finding myself learning new things as our Niagara College Knights soccer season progresses.
Knowing your player has been a big message for coaches the last ten years. We've been dealing with the usual items that would involve players at the college age. Let's put ourselves in LTPD mode and review the "Soccer for Life" development stage and what we know about this age group in this situation:
- Potential social issues being new to college life and heavy into a sport before school even begins
- For some, away from home for first time
- Living away from parents, not always eating or sleeping as they should
- Potential relationship issues
- Potential family issues back home causing distractions
- Potential financial issues
- Pressures of academics for those in tougher courses
- Commitment to club teams that are still in progress
- Unable to manage time with academics and athletics. Not realizing their title is "Student-Athlete" and not "Athlete"
