Reader,
I started coaching football as a 19-year-old. I fell into it as a University student and immediately became addicted. I loved leading, loved seeing young people develop and seeing the memories that sport can create. 22 years later I am still coaching and have worked around the world. I don’t know anyone who coaches for anything but the love of it.
I count myself lucky to have created opportunities to work in football through my coaching career, but I know that being around the game is something I love regardless of whether it’s a career move or a passion project.
However, coaching can often be a lonely task. Coaches are often overworked, time-poor, many are volunteers. The season can be long and the demands (especially in grassroots coaching) are increasing, whether it’s more training time, expectations of parents or premature professionalism impacting youth sport.
This week in the PDP community, one of our members bravely spoke up about feeling burnout and self-doubt in his coaching. Several community members responded with their own stories, shared experiences and advice. This got me thinking about the importance of looking after ourselves.
On a recent coaching course, a discussion in module one focussed on ‘Leading Self’ was the importance of ‘filling our cups’ as professional coaches. Ensuring that you create space to think, reflect, plan and rest. Life is arguably busier than ever, and dragging a bag of balls and training kit around for a whole winter can be taxing.
We know the rewards and satisfaction that come with coaching are enormous, but if we push ourselves until we fall over, then we are not giving the best version of ourselves to our players. Be wary of this, and when times do get difficult, ensure you have a mentor or sounding board to lean on. This is where the power of community within clubs can be key, getting together and chatting about coaching, or simply talking about nothing to do with football at all can help.
Two things to consider.
- Consider what you do in your week to make time to rest, recuperate or reflect. Whether it’s a round of golf, a walk, or quality family time, make time for yourself to recharge and disconnect from coaching.
- Don’t let coaching dominate your identity. Consider that you are a person who coaches football, not “just a coach”.
One thing for you to try this week.
Block time in your calendar that is either designed to enhance your health or fitness, or allows you to have some space for purposeful reflection on your coaching.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this Masterclass Discussion with Dr. Suze Brown titled, Understanding Identity. While the focus is on players, the messages in here are clear around the danger of attaching identity to our work.
