Reader,
As the winter season comes to a close down-under, I have been reflecting on a highly enjoyable and challenging season with a group of young men I have coached in 2023.
Like most kids, when I asked them their goals in February, their answer was pretty simple, and predictable. “We want to win everything!” This was a group of young men, operating in a culture where winning is highly valued, (possibly too much), they are highly competitive and many of them are already playing senior football in their clubs.
So, while respecting their goals of wanting to win, I wanted to guide them towards what I believe to be good processes which would allow them to perform, play with style, develop as people, and stay true to their values – values they agreed as a group.
To do this, my focus went towards building a positive, open, honest and quality culture. My role was to facilitate, but it was the players who had to drive it.
In order to achieve our mutual objectives, we mapped out some agreed behaviours and expectations. What did they want from me? And what did I expect from them? They agreed on their values, and we then proceeded to check in on these regularly, holding each other accountable.
Throughout the year, I checked and challenged the team’s culture, questioned whether we were living our values on and off the pitch, observing to see if our style was becoming more established.
There were some low points, some moments where these values were tested and their mentality was questioned both on and off the pitch, but the team stayed connected.
As a memorable season comes to a close, where the players achieved all they wanted to, it got me thinking about what it was that got them there. Yes, we had some good players in the context of the competition. But, so did other teams.
After surveying the players at the end of the season, constant themes of belonging, friendship, connection, brotherhood and love emerged. For me, this overwhelming sense that the players felt they belonged formed a foundation for their success and the stories they created.
PDP Contributor and Athlete Development expert, Dr. Craig Harrison and I recently discussed coaching psychology, the power of connection and quality culture on his podcast. For the full discussion, click here.
Three things to consider.
- Do you allow your players to take ownership of their team values and culture every season?
- Players leading their own culture, values and standards can create a powerful sense of belonging, ownership and accountability.
- As opposed to watching technical or tactical moments at training or during the game, consider a focus on team dynamics, player interactions, behaviours and language – from the changing room to the pitch.
One thing for you to try this week.
Survey your players, ask them if they feel a sense of belonging and connection during or after the season. This may provide some telling feedback.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this PDP Guide on Building Team Culture which features insights from the PDP team and coach development and child psychology expert, Reed Maltbie.
