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Coach Information

Fencibles United AFC

Job Description – Youth/ Junior Coach

Introduction

1. Junior football (ages 5 to 9 years) and Youth football (for ages 10-19years) is primarily

about enjoyment and participation.

The Coach’s Characteristics

3. The coach is a role model for the children. He/she must set a good example through

His/her attitudes, behaviour, appearance and knowledge of the sport.

4. The coach must use constructive criticism to encourage, rather than degrade.

5. The coach should avoid ‘over-playing’ the strongest and most talented players. The

average player needs just as much attention.

6. The coach should have as a personal goal, that his/her players look back on their football

in his/her team with pleasure and satisfaction.

7. The coach should avail him/herself of the opportunities provided by the club (and

Federation) to develop and enhance their own coaching skills & expertise. As a

minimum, the coach should endeavour to attain a Level 1 or equivalent Coaching qualification and

avail him or herself of any available Premier Skills coaching opportunities

The Training Session (“Practice”)

8. The coach should establish a regular practice time and day(s). The venue should be

suitable for the training session and safe for the players.

9. First Aid facilities should be available or the coach should carry a first aid kit.

10. The coach should pre-plan the session. Arriving at practice with only a general idea of

what will be covered sends the wrong messages to the players.

11. The coach should arrive before the players and set up the grid with appropriate cones &

equipment.

12. During the session, the coach should maximise activity & participation levels. Try to

avoid having players standing around for long periods.

13. Practice should be a series of pre-planned activities where the teaching of the correct

techniques are followed by skills-practice.

14. Avoid ‘lecturing’ the players on the particular technique or drill that is to be

attempted/covered. Demonstrate what is required (you or using players if necessary) and

let the players get on with it. Interrupt and correct as necessary.

15. Do not attempt to cover too much in a single session.

16. Repetition is the key. Practice makes permanent.

17. The concentration span of children is limited. If a particular skills session breaks down

too often, move on. Variety within a training session is important but not to the extent that

the players learn nothing. Adopt skills sessions that are varied/different but which

encompass the same overall basic themes & intended outcomes.

18. Complete the practice with a brief & positive team talk including the time/venue of the

weekend match. Often it pays to notify the parents.

19. Be the last to leave the practice session.

The Match

20. Make sure your players arrive 20-40 minutes (coach’s preference) before the match.

21. Ensure the players are correctly kitted out (if you have any spare gear, bring it) including

the necessary safety gear (shin-guards, no jewellery etc.)

22. Warm the players up.

23. In the junior  & “participation”  grades, ensure each player has at least 50% playing time. The

result is not important.

24. Be a role model on the side-line. Engender a team-respect for the ability of your opponents

& the officials. Always operate within the Fencibles code of conduct

25. Congratulate the players in a brief post-match talk. No lectures. Focus on the things they

did well and leave any negative issues to the next training night.

26. Be the last to leave.

General

27. The coach should command (& not demand) the respect of his/her players. This is achieved

through knowledge of the game; the attitude to all the players, opponents & officials and

how he/she behaves regardless of the type of issue/problem that presents itself.

28. Get a good manager & work out their role/responsibilities.

29. The coach should foster a balanced relationship with the parents – neither too friendly or

too detached. The coach should always be approachable but must never delegate the

responsibility for running the team & making the decisions.

30. The coach should maintain a close relationship with the Club. Coaches are not on their

own and the Club is there to provide support & guidance.