So many parents end up as ‘accidental’ football coaches as they willingly encourage their children to play football and then find themselves as the only person left to run things. So what exactly have you signed up for? Well as someone who’s been at it for a while, here’s my experience.
First of all it means that every week, I give up my time to ensure that your child has a place to play, a team to be part of, and an environment where they feel safe and valued. But my role extends far beyond simply turning up for training sessions and matches. I am responsible for creating an atmosphere that enables growth, discipline, and belonging. To many of the young players, I am not just a coach but a mentor, a guide, a role model and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on.
Football is about more than just learning how to pass, shoot, and tackle. It is about instilling values and behaviours that shape young people into better individuals. Every session, every drill, every match contributes to their understanding of teamwork, respect and perseverance. I try to teach this not just through words, but through example. I try to set the standard for my players by being the first to arrive, often an hour early to set up the session, and the last to leave packing away equipment long after the final whistle has blown. I want my players to see that if you want to improve at anything then commitment, preparation and dedication matter.
It’s not just training and matchdays though as throughout the week my responsibilities continue. I spend hours planning training sessions that challenge and inspire, ensuring that each session is engaging and helps players develop. I meticulously select teams, analyse performances, and think of ways to help every player improve. The moment a training session ends, my mind is already focused on the next match. The second that match finishes, I’m thinking about what needs to be worked on in training. The cycle never stops. Football is an ever evolving sport, and my job is to keep up with that evolution while making sure my players continue to grow and thrive.
Beyond coaching, I handle the administration that keeps the team running. I send messages to confirm attendance at training and matches, often not just once, but repeatedly throughout the week to make sure everyone is on board. I chase up parents and players for unpaid subs / kit orders etc. I also help organise social events, fundraising activities and sponsorship, all with the aim of keeping grassroots football accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved. The financial side of running a team is an ongoing challenge, and I work to try and ensure that money is never a barrier for any child who wants to play. I do this because I know the value of football in young people’s lives.
It teaches responsibility, commitment and teamwork. It creates lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
On matchdays, my role shifts again. I become a motivator, ensuring that every player steps onto the pitch with confidence and belief. I am a strategist, adapting our approach based on the opposition and the conditions. I am a teacher, giving real time feedback to help players make better decisions. I am a qualified medic, rushing to the aid of an injured player and offering reassurance. I am a counsellor, helping young players navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with the game.
Whether it’s celebrating a victory or consoling a player after a tough moment, I am there for them.
I am also a protector, making sure that every child in my team is safe. Safeguarding is a vital part of grassroots coaching, and I take my duty of care seriously. From ensuring the right policies are in place to dealing with any concerns, I must always put the wellbeing of my players first. It’s not just about football, it’s about looking after young people at an important stage of their lives.
But as mentioned, it’s not just matchdays and training sessions. My role extends into their everyday lives as well. I am sometimes the person they turn to when they need advice. I listen when they have problems, whether on or off the pitch. I encourage them to believe in themselves, to keep trying even when things get tough. Football is full of setbacks, missed goals, tough tackles and sometimes heavy defeats but it’s how you respond that defines you. I teach my players the importance of resilience because it will serve them well beyond football.
I do all of this while balancing a full time job, my own family commitments and of course, the everyday challenges that life throws my way. I don’t do it for money, there is none. I don’t do it for recognition because there isn’t any really. I do it because I love football, because I love seeing young players develop, because I know the impact that grassroots football has on shaping not just good footballers, but good people. Watching a player grow in confidence, score their first goal or simply play with joy is the greatest reward of all.
Grassroots football is the heart of the sport. It is where the foundations are built, where the first goals are scored and where the love of the game begins. The players may dream of becoming professionals, but even if they don’t (and the reality is that virtually none of them will), the lessons they learn on the pitch will stay with them forever. Football teaches discipline, respect and teamwork, all qualities that will help them in school, in work and in life. I coach because I believe in these values and I believe in the power of football to change lives.
Being a grassroots football coach is demanding, relentless and at times exhausting. There are moments of frustration when things don’t go to plan. There are times when I wonder why I keep doing it. But then I see a player finally master something they’ve been working on for weeks. I see a shy child come out of their shell and make new friends. I watch a team that once struggled suddenly click and play as a unit, and in those moments I remember exactly why I still do this.
So whilst I *am* a football coach, I’m also a mentor, a teacher, a leader, and a lifelong supporter of every player I have the privilege to work with. And despite all the time, effort and sacrifices, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
