Coaching

I coached for a junior soccer club for 4 years it was my part time job, I was only a few years older too, when they were u15 I was about 18-19 years old. I think that's because I was in super league at the time, so they probably thought I was good enough.

Its important to give a reason for everything you teach. Instead of having players ask why first, be pro-active and give good examples using professional players/teams. Have them know you know your shit. If you get outsmarted by a junior, that's it, your credibility is lost. Also don't make the same mistake I did and say "just do it" because it screws up their morale. Its important to have a very good understanding of the game too so they don't ask why and make you look stupid. It also makes them more inspired if they know they are playing how the professionals play.

For example, teach strategy, not because it will make them play better (because it won't), but because they like it. It makes them feel like a team, and there is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you properly executed a strategy and you learned something. Then when you say, we are going to play a counter-attacking style, no-one will turn around and say "why?".

I recommend getting the Coerver Coaching video series. It is by far, the best coaching tutorials you will ever get. I've tried a lot of videos, Coerver is miles better and more interesting. Try not to make up your own stuff, stick with best practises.

Always have a game at the end of training. Its easier said than done, heaps of times I have run out of time and not given them a game. Only for them to be pissed off by game time, not good.

Most importantly you are not their friend (don't be an arsehole either tho). You are their coach, you will get more trust from both parents and kids if you look and act like a coach. Enforce discipline, make sure everyone is trying their hardest. If you become their friend, they won't give a damn about games and will stop coming to training, because they will think the team isn't serious.

Have them realise that they are receiving real training, that will make them good players. When you do that, both you and the kids will get the most out of training and games and they will thank you for it.