Leadership Through Youth Sport

It’s bitter sweet at the end of each ????season.?They happen to both end on the same weekend this season.

Volunteering as a head coach continues to be rewarding and life changing.

I look forward to the practices and prepare a weekly agenda with areas of focus based on our previous weeks performance and where we are at developmentally individually and as a team.

I embrace game days and get nervous as if I’m playing. It’s always a great community atmosphere full of energy with families and friends.?The random feedback I receive from opposing team fans after our games commenting on how much they appreciated my energy and positive attitude for both teams makes me ?? and?proud to be a coach.?

I know I’m doing something right when parents let me know their child looks forward to practice and game days. It’s the ultimate complement.?A subtle one is when they drop their kid off and let me know they have a conflicting appointment or take the time to work out in the park but will be back at the end of practice.?It makes me feel trusted and with the thought I’m helping a parent take a little time for themselves.?

The biggest surprise I’ve experienced is the impact coaches have on their players.?Even though sometimes I think they’re not listening to me at practice. Hearing feedback from the parents of the impact I have how they look forward to practice and game days. That they repeat some of the phrases I say like “It’s ok, I’ll get the next one” or “Time to take a few deep breaths” is gratifying and makes me feel like I am making an impact.?

A theme arose as the final weekend of our season’s concluded. The school year is also ending. Several parents from my ?? team and others asked if I was going to host “Summer Jam” like I did last year.?I let the league know I am happy to do so, Here we go!?

It also got me thinking about the challenge?parents face this time of year and the stress of figuring out how to keep the kids busy and entertained during the summer.?

Also how much teachers are scrambling to finish the school year strong and are looking forward to a well deserved summer break.

Leaders, remember that parents on your team are going through a challenging time and need support. Freedom to get things in order so they can deliver for you.

I’m looking forward to the break from coaching but can’t wait for the fall season to startup again!?

If you’ve been ever even considered #volunteering to be a youth coach, do it!?The rewards and growth experience makes it all worth it.?

The interesting thing about coaching is you have to trouble the comfortable and comfort the troubled.?