Rec Soccer coach? Here’s everything you need to know

So, you’re the volunteer soccer coach for your child’s team. If you’re like me, you’re not thrilled about it, but never fear. I’ve got everything you need to make this a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved (with free printables). Take a look!

I have a love/hate relationship with soccer. I love that my kids love it, but it’s a big commitment. However, when it was my turn to be the soccer coach. I gained a greater appreciate for the responsibility. But one thing is for sure, you don’t have to have any past experience with soccer to be a coach. Here’s some tips that helped me and will hopefully help you.

Tip #1: Communicate via text (sometimes email)

Everyone is busy. Parents just want someone who will keep them informed and the team organized. The best way to do that is through text. I know! People hate being stuck in a dreaded group messaging thread, but you can’t make everyone happy.

The alternative is using a group messaging app like Whatsapp or GroupMe but then you have to get everyone on the team to download it. Sometimes it’s not worth the hassle. So, stick with texting. If you have to communicate a lot of information at once, you can send an email.

Tip #2: Assign each parent a game day to bring treat

Send an email and assign every parent a day to bring a treat. Tell them if that day doesn’t work for them, then call a different parent and switch. DON’T ask them to volunteer for a day. Take control. You’re the coach after all. Here’s some soccer treat ideas:

• Simple Sports Snacks
• Soccer goodie bags
• Cute and creative soccer snack ideas
• Free soccer snack printables

Tip #3: Assign parents to help with subbing

Tell the parents that they need to help with subbing the same day that they are bringing the treat. Then remind them a day or two before their assigned day. Below is a FREE printable subbing sheet that you can give the parents when they are assigned to help.

Tip #4: Make soccer practice fun

A 30- or 45-minute practice once a week will do fine. The kids get bored quick so here’s some tips to make practice interesting:

• Make every drill into a game.
• Instead of jogging to warm up, tell them to race to the tree.
• Play shark vs. fish (keep away).
• Reward the kids with a small treat if they perform certain tasks during the practice.
• Play kids against the coach.
• Move from each drill quickly.
• Leave plenty of time for scrimmage.

Here’s an awesome book to help: Fun Soccer Drills that Teach Soccer Skills to 5, 6, and 7 year olds

Tip #5: Don’t take the term “soccer coach” too seriously

If you wanted your kid to win every game and become a soccer star, then you shouldn’t have signed them up for rec soccer. Likewise, don’t be that coach who yells at everyone and gets way too worked up. This is supposed to be fun. Get super excited and have fun with the kids and they will love it.

What ideas do you have when coaching your child’s soccer team? Leave your comments below.

Related link: Soda-riffic DIY Coach Gift for Any Sports Team