Coaches of the future

One of the million-dollar questions in our game today is: How do we identify and support future coaches among our playing group?

If we knew the answer, I believe we’d have many more female coaches.

With the number of women in the game growing, there has to be a way to foster the passion for our profession among the players we are currently coaching.

We all see those players who lead during training; the ones who ask the detailed questions about the activity they’re doing, the players that actively coach during sessions. 

So how best do we encourage them to become coaches themselves after their playing career is over – or even while they are still playing?

Firstly, we must continue to foster their love for both the game itself and the teaching of the game. We must encourage them during training sessions to continue to lead, and give them little pieces of advice to help them improve, both as a player and as a coach.

What we can’t do is look to silence them or get annoyed when they ask all their questions. 

If the enquiries get too much, have a quick chat once the activity has started, or have a more detailed conversation after training. Give them the chance to be curious. Help them to learn and grow in the game.

I have had sessions that were 100% player-led. Maybe it’s not a game week, and they have an off weekend ahead. Pull the players that display the traits of a potential coach and allow them to run the session. 

They can plan it out, either on their own or with your assistance. Then, on training day, they lead the session, again with your guidance as the head coach.

Another idea is to get them involved with the younger teams at the same club, or even another team you coach. Get them involved, even if it’s just a once-a-month activity and have them interacting with players of all ages and experience, to expose them to the game at all levels.

Last, but not least, have a conversation with them about their future and if they ever thought about becoming a coach. 

Since coaching is just as much about relationships with players, as it is the Xs and Os, this is a great way to open the door to that sort of conversation.

We have a great opportunity in front of us, day-in and day-out, to foster an environment to grow the players’ love for, and knowledge of, the game. 

Just think about how many players we interact with daily, and then think of how many of them have the potential to be great coaches and leaders.

If each of us can get just one player to try their hand at coaching, we can put our stamp on the future of the game, by fostering a pathway for women into coaching.