I have a moment and can share what I've found over the years to be one of the most important changes I've seen while coaching soccer.
I've coached soccer for 10 years now. I've coached 2 of my sons from 1st grade through 8th, both are now in high school and now I am coaching my 2nd grade son and kindergarten daughter.
The is all "rec" (recreational) soccer, which is different than travel soccer. I've coached that as well, but let me stay on the subject of "rec" soccer as it applies to all children, regardless of ability.
Some towns hold rec soccer in just the fall and some hold it in both fall and spring. However, the key element is that all children on the team get equal playing time regardless of their ability.
I have seen schedules and systems in place that count wins and losses and only the top so many teams make the playoffs and I've seen schedules and systems in place where all teams make the playoffs. In my opinion the latter is best.
Winning and loosing should not be empathized over having fun and learning the game.
I like an 8 week schedule and then all the teams make the playoffs which becomes single elimination. You should view the 8 week schedule as practise (outside of course also holding regular weekly practises) teach your players the rules, moves, plays and work on making them play as a team.
I have seen teams not win a game over those first 8 weeks and them sweep through the playoff and win everything.
Alway provide positive feedback to children. Don't yell at them in a negative way. Sure you can yell, "run" "shoot", "pass", but don't yell at them if they make a mistake. Just explain to them on the sideline when they've been substituted for, how they could have done it differently.
Anyway, just some thoughts as I stumbled across this board. Good idea for a board.
The best weapon against "fear" is "facts"!!
