Tips for Grassroot Football Managers

We often hear groans from football parents about their child’s grassroots manager.

Some of it is very justified i.e. their child is always sub, the manager doesn’t speak to kids in the right way, they are in massive lines at training etc.

But sometimes we hear things where we think, this manager sounds like he/she is trying to do the right things but this parent doesn’t seem to understand.

And this is why communication is so important whether that be to individual parents or a group meeting at the start of a season to set out your approach and how things will run.

This doesn’t mean managers need to explain every single decision.

That’s not what we’re saying.

And it certainly doesn’t mean you need to give people a heads-up on everything you’re doing during a game!

We’re talking about the more general stuff.

It’s things like:

Helping parents understand why you’re giving kids time in different positions

Why you’re not too bothered by the scoreline because you’re focusing on player-development first

Why you’re giving their child certain challenges at training (if you’re dealing with mixed ability sessions)

Maybe there are behaviour issues at training and so that player won’t be starting at the weekend

If they still don’t like or agree with what you’re doing then that’s up to them and maybe it is time for them to find somewhere else.

But at least you’ve tried to help everyone (including the player) understand what you’re doing and why you think it is the right thing for their child.

Also remember, you’ll never please everyone…and that’s ok!

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