One coaches opinion on a coach’s proper traits in this order

1.Safety, health and welfare of your players – Encourage physical/mental fitness. Demand clean and fair play. Stay informed on the health of each player -meds, conditions etc. .Promote playing more than one sport – build a balanced body

 2. Teach positively life lessons to develop mind, body and spirit to prepare for the future. Constantly help players to look at ways to believe and discover their possibilities. Teach, Communicate, Motivate and show value of better use of one’s time. Reinforce the value of practice and commitment to improve with attainable goals

3. Show how to have fun and enjoy playing soccer Help Develop the players Character and Values as Players. Develop Skills & Understanding the Fundamentals/Rules of the game. Encourage/demonstrate ways of improving techniques to develop soccer skills. Use multiple ways to enjoy/teach soccer – everyone learns differently.  Encourage and develop creativity to defeat pressures of the game.

4. Lead by example and be a role model with patience, develop trust and be caring. Encourage Respect, Sportsmanship and Teamwork win or lose. Train the value of understanding your teammates (strengths and weaknesses). Understand everyone develops at different times in one’s life and share with this both players and parents. Develop the entire squad with great lesson plans and providing playing time

5. Manage the program in every aspect including the parents

6. Build the sport – love the game – improve your skills – give back

As a High School Coach     

Develop players for their future by active listening and working to understand their needs

Teach how to strengthen and prepare their bodies for healthy play and life.

Stress the importance of grades and monitor each players effort with teachers. A Teacher can help monitor the students results in the classroom – grades do come first. Teachers understands the school rules, policies, expectations, culture, and can easily interact with fellow teachers on students’ performances. Include a teacher as part of the coaching team.

Build leadership and value of teamwork among all players.

Explain proper ways to represent your school, classmates, and teammates. 

Show by example value of 3 D’s: Discipline, Desire and Determination.

Encourage your players to believe in themselves, and reach beyond themselves to discover their possibilities.

Guide your players deciding on their future- become a mentor

Ed Weil

United Soccer Coaches