To be a professional trainer there has to be many pieces to the puzzle, not just being a good person or player. Some have all the skills, but lack the business or character skills. I have compiled a list of items to look for when searching for a good vs. professional soccer trainer.
What makes a trainer ‘good’?
There are many factors – including being on time, having not only the fundamental knowledge, but practical application of the training content. Preferably having both playing and coaching experience.
Another plus includes a good personality and strong organizational skills.
Having a balance of progression and repetition.
Players like trainers who are motivating, but also tell them the truth of what their weaknesses are. I don’t know a single kid who wants to improve that doesn’t want to hear truth on how to improve.
Commitment to stick with what you started
A professional soccer trainer is committed to the client, the session, and the short and long-term relationship.
Such commitment requires personal integrity and dedication so that the business can sustain its viability.
On the contrary…
There are some trainers or coaches who will cancel too much or end up taking time off too often. This is not something you should do if you want to really grow your name and business.
Keeping the kids safe and healthy
A professional trainer will have the desire to teach safety…
Example: How to head the ball. Not only for skill, but to help prevent concussions and injuries.
Learning how to head is very important once you get to the middle school ages (12-13+).
Watch the video below 20 tips to head the soccer ball.
Education to prove discipline
Education from a formal institution is great and goes hand in hand with collegiate experience.
Primarily we mean experiential knowledge of the content and familiarity with current trends and training techniques.
A plan for each player
A business knowledge and plan to progress the individual at all ages and levels and styles of play.
From younger youth soccer players [ages 6-9] through gaining collegiate recognition from coaches to trying out for a professional roster spot.
Each player is different and needs a different plan, at the same time there are certain needs that apply to all ages.
Basic fundamentals are always vital and so teaching them the mental part is important.
Consistency in everything you do
In attitude, training style and level of knowledge, professionalism, and communication.
If coaches can teach players to show up and work hard each day they are doing the youths a big favor. It’s something coaches have to remind them every day.
Also as a human, we sometimes think we are conserving energy when really it looks lazy and we don’t even know it.
So yes, there are times kids are lazy on purpose, but often times they don’t really realize it looks so bad.
Competitive advantage
Not in a who-knows-who way but with one based on personal relationship, professional connections, and player production.
The professional trainer will have these 3 areas on both sides of athlete / coach promotions.
My story in how I started GFT
The reasons listed above are exactly why we are ‘Global’.
Skills training has become a catch phrase.
In 2008 when Global Futbol Training was founded in Palo Alto, CA and then moved to Dallas, TX there were only a few clubs that offered large group “skills”.
Nowadays many clubs & indoor facilities offer “skills” and their main focus is to either (1) build teams or leagues [as they should] or (2) to generate additional income by doing ‘skills’ part-time on the side.
GFT is a skills company that offers training to all ages and levels and is not affiliated with a club, so our focus is on the individual.
You can train in-person or get my online ball control courses.
If parents are going spend time and money on their child’s soccer, they need to work with someone who is trained to be a professional, technical trainer.
Playing in games and large group training will not correct technique/mechanics the same as Private or Small Group Training.
Almost every select player has a weak foot & strong foot and they also are either good with either the inside or top of the foot with the ball in the air and on the ground, so they need proper training to correct and improve the weak spots.
Teaching youth soccer ages 6-9
One of the hardest things for coaches and trainers is to be able to challenge each age and level. Most coaches only coach one specific age and gender.
This younger group of ages 6, 7, 8 & 9 are so excited to be there and they believe everything you say. This is why it’s important to teach them more than just soccer skills…
It’s important to take advantage of teaching them character & morals.
Coaches need to teach kids mentality… How to think and behave…
This age group has a hard time admitting that something is hard. They want to prove that they know everything, so it’s important coaches don’t kill their confidence.
Training wise, they need footskills, short passing and receiving and some coordination.
Click here for soccer drills ages 7-9 .
Youth soccer training ages 10-12
Ages 10-12 is the age that can do just about anything you show them, so introduce it to them. If I had to pick the most important age group to invest time and money it would be ages 10-12.
The golden ages (best time) to learn and practice is ages 7-11, but I’ve seen several kids not get serious with skills training till they were 10 and they ended up playing D1 college soccer.
It all depends on the kid and the parents family/life situation. Don’t ever feel like you have to keep up with others. Do what’s best for your family.
Professional soccer trainer teaching ages 13 – adults
Ages 13+ to early 20’s still have a hard time with decision making.
Many teens struggle with being called out in public…
They get embarrassed and it’s part of sports. For me it’s okay and needed as long as it’s not done in a disrespectful manner.
It’s easy to think teens know as much as we do in terms of these elements, but remember they are still maturing and growing mindset wise.
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