Coaching Kids Soccer: Navigating the Challenges and Discovering Joy

A firsthand account of coaching a youth soccer team under the age of 7 explores the tactical challenges faced and the importance of keeping the game enjoyable for children.

As the coach of a youth soccer team composed entirely of players under the age of 7, I quickly ran into several challenges that threatened the overall experience of the game. Despite the non-competitive nature of our matches, it became evident that our team was struggling to avoid conceding goals — many of which were unnecessary and careless mistakes. Having been inspired by the techniques and philosophies of how soccer should be played, we found ourselves facing a harsh reality when it came to execution on the field.

In England, where children typically begin playing formal soccer at age 6, the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than competition. Consequently, our matches lacked a league table or recorded scores. However, this didn't stop onlookers from noticing our team's unfortunate habit of conceding goals. The creative playing style we had instilled in our kids — passing out from the back, taking touches, and maintaining an emphasis on technique — proved to be less effective than anticipated, particularly when faced with real match situations.

Conceding goals became a regular occurrence, frequently stemming from our own ineptitude: dribbling across dangerous zones, aimlessly passing into crowded areas, and inadvertently turning into traps rather than evading them. While the results were ostensibly meaningless, vibrant enthusiasm began to wane amongst the children, which led me to formulate a plan to steer us back on course.

Reflecting on my own youth coaching experience, I remembered the timeless wisdom imparted by my first soccer coach, Geoff. His two main tenets—“play the way you are facing” and “if in doubt, boot it out”—had served to simplify decisions under pressure and instilled a sense of clarity for players. An approach built on practicality centered around these principles became my new guideline as our team ventured to become more competitive without losing sight of the fun inherent in the game.

As I implemented this straightforward philosophy, I hoped to restore our team's morale and enhance their enjoyment of soccer while letting them learning essential skills in a stress-free environment. Ultimately, youth soccer should inspire, create bonding experiences, and cultivate a love for the game — values I was determined to preserve in our little team.