Coaching Taught Me More About The World Than I Expected | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Coaching 30 Kids In Soccer Taught Me More About The World Than I Expected

How I deal with THIRTY kids as a college student.

111
Coaching 30 Kids In Soccer Taught Me More About The World Than I Expected

Well here I am, in my freshman year of college and I have since acquired a kid or two. Well, actually more like thirty, but what's the difference, right? I have been asked, "how the hell have you done this?" and to keep it short and simple, I sent a few emails, made a few calls, and the next thing I know I have become a soccer coach with over thirty kids on my hands.

Remember your first day of school, someone comes up to you and they say "Hey my name is Matt nice to meet you." But you weren't paying attention to Matt. You were eyeing up that cute girl across the room. Then the realization hits you and your like "ahhh shit." What did he ask me? You make a fool of yourself saying "haha me too" then Matt gives you this weird look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2e2csDIPMw

Yeahhhh, well meeting the thirty kids was kinda, like that minus the cute girl across the room because that wouldn't go down to well with the supervisors when you're surrounded by little kids.

Learning all of their names was the first obstacle of this journey, as you really have to pay attention to them, as many of them are shy when meeting you for the first time, so when we get into a circle to introduce ourselves, they say their name really quick and softly so the spotlight isn't on them.

The next challenge is keeping them focused, especially the younger ones. This involves coming up with a lot of games to play while also having a benefit to their development as a player. It leads to games, such as sharks and minnows, relay races, and, a favorite, wallie. These kept the kids very involved and occasionally I would jump in to have some fun as well.

https://pixabay.com/photos/coach-trainer-flag-football-551584/

Now, one of the toughest parts of my job has to be dealing with parents. I've mostly had good encounters, but it's the bad ones that can really get on your nerves. You ever meet someone uneducated about something you are pretty much an expert in, and they tell you that you are doing it wrong then proceed to tell you in depth how you are doing it wrong and how you should do it better? Well, this is exactly the thing that happens.

Another complication that arises is bullying. I can tell that it happens as some of the better players on the team pick on the players who aren't as talented, and it really breaks my heart to see this. The best way I have found to take care of this problem is really encouraging and applauding the things the kids do well and try to come up with more partner-based games where the kids have to rely on each other and work together to win. This helped them with encouraging each other in a positive way as each group wanted to win and they knew they couldn't win if they argued and tried to do it by themselves.


https://pixabay.com/photos/child-footballer-shot-use-football-613201/

The most rewarding aspect about coaching has to be seeing each kid individually grow along with the team coming together and playing as one. Knowing that each one of them looks forward to practice every week and are enjoying the beautiful game just as much as I do really warms my heart and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

https://pixabay.com/photos/team-of-young-footballers-1493006/

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774566
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

539
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

1181
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

880
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments