Imagine volunteering, at your place of employment, to undertake an additional role on top of the one you already perform.
One without much credit, little in the way of career growth opportunity, no additional pay and with the bonus of being told you don’t know what you’re doing!
A position where you need to manage conflict, emotions and expectations; whilst keeping a modicum of your own sanity.
It doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? But, welcome to the world of a volunteer youth coach.
Some may say they do all the above at work already. Others would look at their contract of employment before turning down such a wonderful offer. And the rest?
They would probably be seen scrambling under a desk trying to find the imaginary pen that spontaneously flew out of their hand or, have a sudden urge to use the washroom, just escape the room.
To volunteer for anything usually involves giving up one’s time in the aid of helping others. It takes commitment, dedication and sometimes, a very thick skin.
It just sort of happened
Like my writing journey, I never envisaged entering the world of coaching youth football (soccer), it just sort of happened that way. I have to say though, I’ve been very lucky with both the children, and the parents within our little football family as we call it.
Others are not so fortunate…
It’s not all been perfect, for one I wouldn’t even claim to be a good coach but somehow, the children keep coming back week after week. Really, I’m merely just a parent trying to give them a safe space in which to make mistakes, grow, develop in their own time and hopefully, have a bit of fun doing it.
But what does being a volunteer coach actually involve, surely, it can’t be that difficult?
There’s more to it than you might think!
I can only speak for myself, but the role doesn’t start and finish on the referee’s whistle on a match day, there is a bit more to it than that.
Here are a few of the tasks:
Plan and execute structured and engaging training sessions
Check the safety of the playing area – sharp objects, animal poop…
Is there sufficient equipment for all, is it safe?
Consider child welfare and understand what to do in certain events
Provide a positive atmosphere even when you could’ve had a miserable day
Attend meetings and undertake courses
Provide communication to parents, opponents and other parties
And this is before you even get to a match day
When that time does arrive. The coach is usually the first to arrive, and last to leave.
There is often a need to prepare the pitch, warm up the players, work out who is going to start the game and cheer up those that aren’t. The list goes on. There is even the prospect of having to deal with injuries and confrontations.
After the game, when the parents and children leave, the coach may also need to tidy up, collect rubbish and remove equipment from the playing field before leaving themselves.
Finally, you get home and pack everything away, surely, it must be over, and you can now relax? Nope.
There may be a match report that needs to be completed, you may even, subconsciously at least, spend time reflecting on what went well, what didn’t and even question your own judgement.
And? You knew what you signed up for!
It is true, generally, all volunteer coaches appreciate the time, effort and commitment involved and as highlighted above, I am lucky to have some very supportive parents, and helpful children, in our group.
For others though, it can be a torrid experience…
The sideline ranters
So, you set your team up in the way you think is best and give the children the information you think they need when suddenly, from the other side of the field, you have parents screaming at the kids to do something different.
“My child is the best on the team, they should play more”
Yes, it happens quite often for some, when a coach is confronted about the playing time their child is receiving. That belief that their child, at the expense of all others, should gobble up the most game time.
“My son/daughter is a striker not a defender, do you know what you’re doing”
Another frequent issue. Everyone will see characteristics in their children or have a belief in what they think they are good at. A volunteer coach is not always going to get it right but, sometimes, they may see a wider view and want to try something which may benefit the child’s progress and development.
“I don’t want to be here; I was told to do it”
Probably one of the most frustrating areas is when you identify a child who really doesn’t want to be there. You can just tell. They don’t engage or develop and as much as you try to put a smile on their face, they simply hate every minute of it. This is not good for that child, or the rest of the children.
Abuse
A definite NO-NO. Shouting obscenities at a coach just isn’t right. Firstly, children shouldn’t be anywhere near it and secondly, volunteer youth coaches help keep team’s going, without them children would not have the ability to play. If you don’t agree with a coach, for whatever reason, that is fine but don’t abuse them.
Childcare service
For some, the coach is viewed as a childcare service. Yes, they are responsible for their safety and welfare. They are not accountable for their behavior. Imagine the repercussions of a coach discipling a child, it doesn’t bear thinking about. I do have time outs for certain things but ramifications for blatant naughtiness rests solely with the parent/guardian/caregiver.
These are just some of the challenges faced by volunteer coaches. Sport is emotive, and tensions can run high at times but keep things respectful. After all, would you willingly sign up to do it?
Are there any rewards?
Volunteers, in any capacity, give up their time willingly to try and help others. In my case, I did it to keep my son’s team going when it could have folded. Yes, I have a personal connection but, it has also been one of the most rewarding things I have done.
Seeing smiles on faces of children is hard to beat. Watching them develop and try something you’ve taught them makes you happy but, when a child comes and tells you they got picked for their school team for the first time… Words can’t describe.
David Armitage is the author of ‘Connor the Cornflake’, ‘The Adventures of Connor and Sparky’ and ‘Olly the Octopus’ Underwater Orchestra’. As well as his day job, David is also a volunteer youth football (soccer) coach.