How to Coach Youth Soccer Ages 4-12

By William Hatfield

Did you enjoy the World Cup? Have you tuned in to the game played by more people than any other game on earth? Do you have some children or grandchildren who would love to have you coach them? Then you will want to get started with my book, "How To Coach Youth Soccer"! Based on my fifteen years of coaching kids ages 4 through 12 in every kind of league, I will prepare you to step out onto the pitch this next season, confident and ready to succeed. In just a short time you will be ready to field a team and to impact lives for decades to come. You will know how handle your first meeting with parents, what to look for in your first practice, and how to set up your season. I will give you all of this in an easy, simple to read and understand format, that will save you years of preparation. You will be ready from day one! So, what are you waiting for? Get going on your great adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: William Hatfield
• Release date: Jul 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311302809

William Hatfield

William is married to Sharon (over 40 years) and they have 6 children and 11 grandchildren (most of them soccer players). He has pastored Charity Baptist Church since 1979. He has been Chairman of the Board of a Tulsa YMCA, is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Businessmen and a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and a Seminary Master's Degree in the same. He is an avid reader and writer, a former part time newspaper columnist and has coached soccer with some of the greatest kids in the world for the past 15 years.

Book preview

How To Coach Youth Soccer Ages 4-12

Be Successful From Day 1

William K. Hatfield

How to Coach Youth Soccer Ages 4-12

Be Successful From Day 1

William K. Hatfield

Copyright 2014 by William K. Hatfield

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How To Coach Youth Soccer

Introduction

I still get a thrill every time I walk out on to the pitch.

Congratulations! You are embarking on, or considering embarking on, a journey that will be most fulfilling; coaching youth soccer 12 and under.

Fourteen years ago I walked out onto a soccer field at the local YMCA, entrusted with a team of 4 year olds that included my grandson. I had played soccer with my own six children and had attended what seemed to be thousands of their games (they all played). I had criticized and praised their coaches. I had questioned their judgment and had marveled at their successes. I had been a lawn chair critic, but also an admirer. Now, I would try my own hand at putting together a team in front of the people who were trusting me with their sons and daughters, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

I’m so glad I stuck with it and I want you to know now, up front, that your decision to coach kids in this great sport is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make. I still get a thrill every time I walk out onto the pitch (the field) for an opening practice or game. I love to see players learn, achieve, and gain self respect and esteem. I love to build people and to coach people in life (I am a pastor). Soccer coaching affords me a wonderful opportunity to do the same, to invest in young people in a way that will affect their future. The letters and visits I get from parents and players from over these 14 years are a testimonial to just that.

So, I trust you will enjoy this purposefully concise book. This will get you ready for your first team. You will learn as I share with you what I have learned along the way, coaching teams in various venues. (You can add more complex material later, with all kinds of charts and graphs and videos. I recommend the Ciplified approach. But for now, let’s get you out there ready to go!) Don’t be intimidated! Get excited! It’s a great ride! And thanks, for being willing to lend yourself to the development of some great young people!

Chapter One

Getting Started: Me, a Coach?

Apparently you said yes or, you are considering it, right? Someone said the coach did not show up for practice last night because he quit. Or, no volunteers stepped forward at the YMCA. The team needs a coach. Someone asked you and you said yes, or, that you would get back to them. You feel a tug inside.

Great! This is your chance! You may feel that you know nothing about soccer or not enough. You are still wondering about that pitch business in my introduction (It’s not important). You don’t know all the rules and may not know any of them. You have never coached before.

Get this down! We all feel that way! Every coach who ever coached had to begin as a beginner. They did not know it all or even a big part of it unless they had apprenticed somewhere for a while. Everyone had to begin just like you, with that first coaching job, that first practice and that first game. So relax, you will be fine.

I want to get you launched! I want to share my mistakes and my successes in an easy to understand way so that you and your players and their families will benefit. I want you to know right now that it is good that you are nervous, tentative and humble. That’s why you purchased this book. You are teachable. You are not too proud to seek some help.

I have seen scores of coaches come and go over the years and the ones who are willing to learn and who do not get arrogant, harsh and big headed are the ones that not only stay and have a lasting impact, but also impart