Like many other coaches at grassroots junior football I was looking forward to the end of the season in May, a chance to put my feet up for a couple of months, spend some time with the rest of my family i.e. not just the one that I happen to coach and generally recharge my batteries before the start of the season.
So how come I suddenly feel like I am working harder than ever?
First up is the end of season awards, this varies club by club, ours we have a day of football followed by an evening presentation and probably like the majority of clubs, those who manage the team also seem to do everything else. That means, buy the awards, book the marquee, organise the entertainment, get in the food. closer to the day, its mark out the pitches, check we have enough volunteers to man the BBQ, who has the float? all this before we have to face the dreaded 5 mins of speeches at the actual awards.
So, the end of season awards done, time to rest.. well no. Its now tournament season, so its find an event, book an event, again if your club hosts a tournament its a bit like groundhog day again, lining the pitches, organising the bbq etc etc.
Surely now its time to rest, well no as now comes the challenge of working out what players you will have, the likelihood is some will move on, so you have to be looking for a couple of replacement players and as you move through the age groups you are now faced with finding more players every season, your squad of 8 players which felt very comfortable at 5 a side suddenly feels a bit light when playing 7 a side. Where to get them from? How will they fit into the team? anyone got a left-footer?? All of these challenges can take up your time.
The more diligent among us will be trying to spend some time reading up on new drills, or getting that next qualification to ensure that we are armed with fresh new ideas for our first day of training for the new season. Which may be July, before pre-season friendlies start in August ready for the season start in September.
Sorry coaches spouse it looks as though those jobs you’ve waited patiently all winter for us to do will have to wait a bit longer !!!
