Embrace the Coach in You: Why Every Dad Should Coach Their Child’s Sports Team
Have you signed up your kid for a sport this season, and later been asked to volunteer to coach?
People will talk at lengths about the shortage of youth athletic officials and all of the reasons why adults, even kids, don’t want to referee kids games. But there’s another epidemic in youth sports where parents aren’t willing to step up and coach.
I want to share a personal journey that transformed my relationship with my kids and my perspective on fatherhood. It’s about a role I never thought I’d take on but now believe every dad should consider at least once in their life – coaching your child’s sports team.
Growing up, I never had the opportunity to be coached by my dad in sports. It wasn’t a big deal back then, but as I became a dad myself, I started to see the missed connections and lost opportunities. That’s when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and into the world of coaching (thanks honey!).
Today, I want to share my story and explain why I think every dad should give it a try, even if you’re feeling hesitant or reluctant.
Building Unbreakable Bonds
Coaching your child’s sports team isn’t just about teaching them how to play a game. It’s about forging a bond that can withstand the test of time. When you’re out on the field or the court, it’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the moments you share, the lessons you impart, and the memories you create together.
I vividly remember my son’s first touchdown catch during our NFL flag football season. The joy in his eyes and the smile on his face were priceless. It wasn’t just about the touchdown; it was about the journey we embarked on together. Coaching allowed me to be there, not just as a dad but as a mentor, there on the sidelines cheering on my son’s growth and development every step of the way.
Bridging the Coaching Gap
One issue that’s become glaringly obvious during my coaching journey is the shortage of youth coaches. As of me writing this, I’ve coached my oldest son four different times (three seasons of NFL flag football and one season of soccer) and my youngest son once (one season of t-ball).
In our recent soccer season, the league was practically begging parents to step up and coach. Daily emails arrived, updating us on the dwindling spots available for our kids. In preparations for the next season of t-ball, the league commissioner was sending GroupMe messages to last season’s coaches asking if anyone would be willing to coach down a league for t-ball—even if their kid wasn’t on the team!
It’s disheartening to see so many kids who want to play sports but are held back by the shortage of coaches. But why are so many dads hesitant to coach?
Is it the fear of failure in front of our children, or the doubt that we lack the skills and time to do it right? These fears are real, but they shouldn’t deter you from taking on the role of coach. In fact, it’s precisely these challenges that make the experience so rewarding.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
When I volunteered to coach my son’s soccer team, I was nervous for sure. I have never played organized soccer in my life. The idea of coaching a group of six and seven-year-olds and proving to these parents I was worthy and an expert was intimidating, to say the least. I doubted whether I could do it.
But that’s when I realized that my kids didn’t need a professional coach; they needed a dad who cared.
My wife borrowed soccer coaching books from the library, and I watched countless YouTube videos to learn the fundamentals and effective drills. It felt like I was preparing for an exam in college again I was doing so much studying. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I felt like I had a baseline to work with.
Surprisingly, I ended up doing exceptionally well. And, most importantly, I had a blast doing it. Never once did any parent come up to me and ask, “Hey, you know what you’re doing right?”
Parents get it too. They’re probably saying to themselves “Thank God that’s not me.” And that’s fine. They won’t give you a hard time. And if they do, that’s what league management is there for.
Taking the Plunge
The message here is clear: don’t let self-doubt hold you back from coaching your children. Whether or not you’ve played the sport before is irrelevant. Your presence as a father and mentor is invaluable.
You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be present for an hour or two during the week and on the weekend. and willing to learn alongside your child. The growth and bonding that occur through this shared experience are immeasurable.
I took the plunge, and I’ve never looked back. My teams I coached might not have won every game, and there may have been other parents I coached against that cared a little more than me about the outcome, but we celebrated every goal, every run, every touchdown, regardless of which team scored it. We learned together, laughed together, and, most importantly, created an unbreakable connection.
A Lifelong Journey
What began as a one-time coaching experience has now become an integral part of our family’s identity. I find myself eagerly looking forward to coaching my kids throughout their youth sports careers. Coaching isn’t just about teaching sports; it’s about imparting life lessons, building character, and creating lasting memories.
So, to all the dads out there who may be hesitant or reluctant to coach, I urge you to take the leap. Moms too! You might discover a newfound passion for coaching, and your children will undoubtedly benefit from having you as their coach. You don’t need to be a sports expert; you just need to be there, offering guidance, support, and love.
Coaching my sons’ sports teams has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It’s strengthened our bond, created lasting memories, and allowed me to conquer self-doubt. It’s also highlighted the crucial shortage of youth coaches and the importance of fathers stepping up to fill this role. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from coaching your kids; the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
So, grab that whistle, put on that coaching hat, and embark on a journey of a lifetime with your children. Who knows, you might just end up coaching them throughout their entire youth sports career, leaving a legacy of love and memories that will last a lifetime.
