Coaching soccer allows a parent to support their child in their sports endeavors, and show that they care about their child’s interests. That being said, it is important that a parent-coach show their child the same amount of attention they impart on the rest of the team’s players. It is difficult for any child to be the “coach’s pet,” and that difficulty increases exponentially when the pet is also the child of the coach. All of the other players on the team deserve just as much direction and recognition as the coach’s child. Young players are astute: children have a highly developed sense of fairness and justice, and are acutely aware of any discrepancies on how different children are treated by an adult figure.
Fairness is equally important when it comes time to decide who plays what position, and who plays when. Coaches should always remember that while winning is important, allowing each child the opportunity to play and equal amount of time is more important. Young people, at times, can surprise their coach with their amount of dedication and mutual respect among teammates. There have been more than a few times when I have been astounded at the work ethic and team effort put forth by my players. While coaching is a great opportunity to help children build their confidence levels, improve their social skills, and hone their athletic ability, it is also a fantastic opportunity for a coach or parent to learn from the example of children.