Half Time 1-1: Full Time 15-1
What Happened?
**Permission was given to share the story:
I recall a match when we faced another under-11 team and suffered a crushing 11-0 defeat. Knowing that we were scheduled to play against the same team again two weeks later, I approached their “coach” with the idea of rotating players from the sidelines in the upcoming match, ensuring that everyone had an opportunity to participate.
During halftime of the second game, the score was tied at 1-1, and our players were elated to be competing on equal terms, relishing the opportunity to hold the opposition to a draw. On the other side, their players were delighted to be on the field finally. However, during halftime, their coach reprimanded his players, and he substituted his “top players” for the second half, ultimately winning the game 15-1.
It was at that moment that I came to understand that certain “coaches” lacked a genuine passion for the game, and it appeared they had little interest in sharing their love for the sport with the young players they were coaching, or with those who were beginning to experience the game.
It can be disheartening for players to participate in games that end up with lopsided scores, leading to negative experiences for everyone involved. Such games often prioritise the ego-driven desires of certain coaches and fail to contribute to the overall growth and development of young players. As coaches, it is our responsibility to create an environment where participation, enjoyment, and inclusivity are given priority over winning at all costs.
Unfortunately, we have come across instances where coaches and parents emphasise winning excessively, sometimes at the cost of their child's overall experience. This can lead to an unhealthy focus on winning, which can be detrimental to the development of the players. It is essential for parents to understand that overly one-sided games do not benefit anyone. Instead, they can create a sense of demotivation, frustration, and disappointment among the players who are on the losing side.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the game should be a source of joy and growth for all players, irrespective of their skill level. As coaches and parents, we should encourage players to improve their skills, work together as a team, and develop a love for the sport. By doing so, we can create an environment where every player feels valued, included, and motivated to give their best effort, regardless of the outcome of the game.
The importance of sports in our lives cannot be overstated. It has the power to bring people together, promote physical fitness, and instill valuable life skills in young people. However, the true impact of sports can only be realised when we have coaches who prioritise the holistic development of their players, rather than just focusing on winning at all costs. Thankfully, there are numerous exceptional coaches around the world who understand the importance of nurturing a love for the sport and fostering an environment where every player can thrive. These coaches are committed to helping their players develop both as players and as individuals, instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Regardless of the level of competition or the perceived significance of the game, these coaches remain steadfast in their dedication to their players. They recognise that every player has unique strengths and weaknesses and work tirelessly to create a training regimen that caters to each player's needs. They encourage players to push themselves to their limits and provide a supportive environment where players feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.
The positive impact that these coaches have on young people's lives cannot be overstated. They serve as role models, inspiring their players to be the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field. By prioritising the overall growth of their players, these coaches are helping to create a generation of young people who are passionate, resilient, and committed to excellence.
Coaches have a variety of strategies at their disposal to effectively manage the score and ensure that every game remains competitive and inclusive for all participants:
FA’s Power Play Law
– Increasing players on the field
– Decreasing players on the field
Team/Individual Targets
– How many times can they switch the play before creating a goal-scoring opportunity?
– Can they reach “X” amount of passes before creating a goal-scoring opportunity?
– Can each player run with the ball into space?
Rotating Position
-Can we rotate players in different positions during the game?
-Opportunity for the GK to play outfield?
Tactical
-Can the players create and/or try new formations? Ways of playing?
Coaches may consider the following examples when one team is dominating over the other. However, it is important to actively engage players and parents in such discussions and decisions. These conversations can take place before the season starts, prior to games, or after the games as post-match reflections.
Engaging parents in these discussions is valuable, as it helps them gain insight into the team’s philosophy and approach to developing all players on the field. While the majority of parents will appreciate such involvement and transparency, there may be a small percentage who express dissatisfaction with factors like game time or scoring, sometimes citing comparisons to professional leagues.
As a coach, it’s essential to calmly and confidently explain the rationale behind your decisions, emphasising a holistic, enjoyable, and lifelong development-oriented approach. This way, you can promote an environment that prioritises the growth and well-being of every young player, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere for both players and parents.
Our primary objective is to create an environment where the game is inclusive, competitive, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone who participates. We’re committed to nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport and ensuring that children remain engaged and enthusiastic, preventing them from losing interest and dropping out, particularly around the age of 13.
To achieve our goal of inclusivity, competitiveness, and enjoyment in the game, we will:
Provide equal opportunities for all children to participate, regardless of their background, gender, or ability.
Ensure that the game is played in a safe and supportive environment, where all children feel comfortable and respected.
Offer a range of skill-building and development programs to help children improve their abilities and increase their confidence.
Create a sense of community and belonging among players, coaches, and families, to encourage ongoing participation and engagement in the sport.
Foster a love of the game by making it fun and enjoyable, while also emphasising the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.
Continuously assess and refine our approach to ensure that we are meeting the needs and expectations of all players and families involved in the sport.
By dedicating our attention to these essential aspects, we are confident that we can establish a sustainable and gratifying experience for all the children engaged in the sport, thus safeguarding against premature loss of interest and dropout.
