[sigh] When will people learn that the internet is the most amazing and yet the worst friend one can have? It leaves no room for the past to stay there. On one hand, it can serve as a constant reminder of past mistakes like these. People have a hard enough time overcoming their pasts in their own minds, but to have to revisit can be hard. When doing business like hiring a soccer coach, make sure you do research on them. IF they say they played pro, find out on your own. Why? Because so many coaches are doing this and it’s not ethical.
Research soccer coaches who say they played pro
On the other hand, the internet can be a parent’s best friend when it comes to researching the best possible choice for your child’s trainer.
This handy little tool allows a SAHM [Stay at home mom] to become a soccer detective. Finding the facts surrounding those trainers she is considering allowing in her child’s world.
[BTW – I love the fact that the Soccer Associations, AYSO and other organizations nationwide are very diligent in promoting kid safety in this way through the use of background checks.]
Historically, when someone told you their credentials, you would choose to believe them. Then hire for a service, and learn the hard way if their word was good or not.
Now you can go online and quickly do a Google search and find out a lot more about that person’s public and playing history.
If your trainer says they played pro then be a soccer detective by googling their name. Most of the time you won’t find anything. If they played college or pro, you’ll find out through the internet.
Google the soccer coach if they say they played pro
So many of these soccer coaches tell the kids and parents that they played pro soccer. Or if not they say they would have, but they broke their leg…
Get used to hearing this.
If they tell you things like this, then google their name.
When nothing shows up – they probably lied.
At this point you have to question their character. Doing business like this is stealing.
Make sure your soccer coach is not cursing and screaming
The first thing that parents should really evaluate is the coach or trainers’ history.
As a father, I am very protective of my daughter.
Not only do I want to know that the person training her has been thoroughly background researched, but that their personality and approach to my child is completely above board.
None of the cursing and screaming that I so often hear about when parents bring their formerly passionate and happy soccer kid to me.
Parents are often asking for me to help rehab their kid’s confidence and passion for the game. It’s sad and wrong and it speaks to the issues of the coach, not the kid.
Be a soccer detective & see what experience your coach has
Another big issue parents should evaluate is the coach or trainers’ experience.
Does your coach or trainer have experience coaching or playing past high school [& I am not referring to intramural].
There are so many coaches in America who have only played high school soccer at their highest level. Maybe a year at a Junior college and then started coaching youth with not much playing or coaching experience – which is a bad combination.
I realize that everyone must start gaining experience somewhere and no one is born an expert.
We have coaches with little to no real experience who are now teaching the game to others.
Soccer coaches playing experience does matter
So you might be asking, why is high school level of play not ‘good enough’ for coaching?
From a purely developmental side, a player up to high school may know the game, how it’s played, its rules, and more. Although, they have yet to develop the other maturity markers of development to support their argument of being knowledgeable enough to be an expert.
Some of my friends who played high school, college and pro have and still do approach me on how to develop youth players technically and tactically.
These former players know what the youth athletes need, just don’t know the best way to develop the kids.
Doing business with people of character / morals
More important than a qualified trainer who played at a high level is the character of the person.
Personally I want someone who’s a good example for my kids. If they are married and have kids themselves it’s a good sign.
Checking their social media is a good way to learn about their values.
There are people who post inappropriate things online. One of the last adults I want my kid with is someone who post pictures or videos of immoral things.
Stats show that people who believe in morals is dropping by the millions. It’s become normal for many.
Great coaches who did not play high level
There are many coaches who are great who did not play at a high level but they’ve never misrepresented their experience.
They’ve learned by taking coaching courses and gaining experience to further their knowledge.
So just be wise when making a decision about the person you are allowing your kid to study and learn and be influenced by as an authority role.
Be a good private soccer detective… Don’t let people fool you for your money.
Proven soccer training methods
If you are wanting to improve ball control, trapping, footskills with a proven method then get my online courses.
I promise you will be challenged, but it will be easy to learn.
After your first 30 minutes practicing the online course lessons you will see change.
You will love the soccer even more because of how you can control the ball.
If you are wanting more of the encouragement and motivation than the best thing is a private trainer.
For shooting or finishing drills you need a trainer, parent or friend to cross balls to you. Another option is a rebounder like this.
To be put in shooting situations you first need to have good ball control.
Don’t wonder if your trainer is teaching the right stuff. Instead get my ball control courses and then let your trainer work on other parts of your game like finishing and passing.
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