Junior Selection Hints

Junior Coaches – There are a number of issues that need to be addressed when discussing selection for a junior football team. It would seem there is rarely a situation where the numbers are just right each week and all players are attending training to justify being selected.

Players rely on parents to get them to training each week and will also be unavailable on occasions, as they are required to go on holidays or family outings, which take priority over football games. Unlike senior selection where it is a panel of people making decision, the junior coach nearly always completes this task on his own with the loyal support of his team manager. Players are notified at training each week and the coach then keeps his fingers crossed, hoping that all players turn up. Communication is vital to both player and parent should a person not be selected to play. We have an absolute responsibility to the game to ensure that no player leaves for another sport, just because he feels that he is not being given a fair go. Parents play an important role in this area as they can monitor the disappointment and encourage the young player to hang in there when he or she feel hard done by.
Remember that we are coaching to develop football and life skills for these young players and it is not all about winning each game that we coach.
Influence – The one thing that has always amazed me in football over the last 20 years is how big an influence the junior sporting coach is on the development of a young person. There are a lot of young people who rely heavily on the support of their football coach. He or she is the person who gives them encouragement, advice and confidence. Players will remember more from their sporting coaches than they will from a lot of other areas of their lives. In this day of age where young people do not have the sporting idols or role models available to them, this responsibility falls to parents and coaches. With parents being forced to work long hours each week, the coach is the obvious person that young people will lean on for support. Accept the responsibility and keep the importance of the position you have accepted in mind whenever you talk to a young player.
Rotations - If you have a large number of players available, then rotating all players is not only fair, it is the only way for players to learn to handle minor set backs that will confront them as they progress to the higher levels in years to come. Do not just rotate a handful of your lesser players each week. Work to a system of rotating all players where they may only miss one or two games for the year. Discuss with your players at the start of the season, the need to treat all players equally in terms of development and then follow that up by sticking to your word. Do not fall for the trap of leaving players out when they are due to play, just because you are playing a stronger team. Players place a lot of trust in their football coach and will be very disappointed to be let down by a person who they consider to be a friend.
Positions – Another issue for all coaches that needs to be addressed. Players need to learn how to play a number of positions at a young age and the only way this will happen is when you show a willingness to give them a go. Do not leave a player in a key position all game or each week, just because he likes playing there or you consider him to be the best player. You will never know the capabilities of each of your players or be able to monitor their development, if you do not give them opportunity. This is one way for the coach to be tested in terms of whether he places a greater emphasis on winning as opposed to developing. Consider these issues at selection each week and understand that there are many long-term gains.
Communication – Coaches who can communicate will be successful in developing young players and guiding them through the ups and downs they will be confronted with throughout the course of the football season. Set the rules at the start of the season and then work hard to support them by continually communicating with your players individually and collectively. They need feedback on areas to improve encouragement and support when they are struggling, a pat on the back when they are playing well or showing signs of improvement. When it is their turn to miss out as you are rotating the team each week, make sure that you take the time to speak with them. Give them a role on match day if possible and make sure they still feel part of the team. Communication is the best skill a coach can have. Always be very positive to your players. Tell them what they need to hear and then always follow any negative with at least two positives.
Leadership - The most frustrating part of senior coaching is to see so many players progress through to the higher levels of football without leadership skills. Because this is such a big problem, I would encourage all junior coaches to consider the importance of leadership development for all players you coach. I would like to see coaches rotate their captaincy roles each week to ensure that all young players have the opportunity to enjoy and develop a liking for being the team leader. Set a couple of tasks for the team leader on his day. It may be as simple as tossing the coin and then talking to his team-mates. It may be that he must get up at the completion of the match and report on how his team went for the day. Whatever you decide, remember that it is important to expose players to this role at an early age.