Unsung Heroes: The Profound Impact of Coaches as Mentors on Young Athletes' Lives

Are coaches merely instructors of plays and strategies, or are they architects of greatness? As someone who has been molded by the guiding hand of a remarkable coach, I believe it's the latter. The essence of resiliency, teamwork, leadership and stick-to-it-ness blossoms under the guidance of mentors, leaving a lifetime legacy in the hearts and minds of young athletes.

As a youth sports executive and someone who has experienced the transformative power of sports firsthand, I believe in the profound influence that coaches can have on young athletes' lives. My journey as a youth athlete may have blurred the names of many coaches and the outcomes of games, but one individual left an indelible mark on me – Eppie Barney, my mentor and coach of the Blue Bombers.

A Giant of a Man?

Coach Barney was a wide receiver drafted by his hometown Cleveland Browns, in 1967. He only played two seasons with the Browns. He was out of the league after that. His contributions to professional football may have been forgotten, but he lives on in the game of life. He started a youth football program during his rookie year. Coach Barney couldn't have been more than 22-years-old. The specifics of the games are all hazy now. I don't remember if we won or lost. I don't recall how much I played. I don't remember any calls by officials. I do remember this six-foot coach being a giant of a man. I respected him. He was passionate and enthusiastic. He was understanding. We had fun. And most importantly, Coach Barney cared about me.

Instilling Values Beyond the Games?

As a proud parent of a talented young athlete, I have witnessed my son, Na’im's, growth through sports, particularly in his journey as a wrestler, culminating in multiple appearances in the Georgia High School Wrestling tournament. However, above all the accolades and victories, it is the invaluable lessons he has learned from his coaches that I cherish the most.

Sports have a unique way of teaching life skills that extend beyond the playing field. A good coach can serve as a mentor, guiding athletes through challenges and triumphs and instilling values that transcend the realm of sports. Without being hyperbolic, the relationship between coach and player can shape the destiny of a young person for good or bad. It’s also the difference in whether a young person continues their participation. Overbearing and undertrained coaches are?one?of the reasons why 70% of youth quit sports by age 13.?

The Vital Role of Coaches as Mentors

There are numerous reasons why a coach-as-mentor relationship is crucial for every young athlete. First, creating a positive team culture fosters an environment where players feel valued, motivated, and united. A strong team culture encourages camaraderie, trust, and a shared sense of purpose, driving individual and collective growth. Secondly, focusing on young people's social and emotional skills cultivates their resilience, communication, and leadership abilities. These skills extend beyond sports, helping athletes navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships. Third, the power of empathy must be considered. Understanding and relating to the emotions and challenges of young people builds trust and nurtures their self-confidence. By acknowledging their feelings and perspectives, coaches can provide the necessary support and guidance for personal and athletic development.?

Building a Growth Mindset

Coaches can also help young people grow by building a growth mindset, encouraging young athletes to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and persist in their efforts to improve. This outlook instills a belief in their potential and inspires a lifelong passion for learning. Emphasizing sportspersonship instills values of fair play, respect, and integrity, making young athletes skilled players and ethical individuals. Lastly, the importance of forming genuine connections with the team fosters a strong sense of belonging, enabling coaches to identify and nurture each player's strengths and areas for development. By investing in these aspects, coaches contribute to young athletes' holistic growth and well-being, shaping their character both on and off the field.

Celebrating Coaches: Unsung Heroes

To all my coaches, you have a profound impact on shaping the lives of young athletes. Your guidance goes beyond teaching strategies and tactics. It extends to molding characters and nurturing values that last a lifetime. That’s why the National Council of Youth Sports is proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to assist coaches in developing exceptional positive relationships with youth and improving social and emotional skills.?

I urge parents, administrators, coaches and parents to prioritize the role of coaches as mentors. Let’s celebrate and support these unsung heroes who are instrumental in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to unpack the importance of the coach as a mentor. To learn more about Coach-Mentor Training, click?here.?