Something really hurt me today, I have coached a child for 4 years since he was 5 years old. He feels like a son to me, today his parents told me they were taking him to a “better club” and the coaching was “crap”
I’m totally gutted because I have given so much and never asked for anything in return.
Results don’t bother me and I was trying to keep a bunch of kids together as a team through there child hood years. I asked what the child wanted and they said he wanted to “win”
Often you hear of coaches dropping kids etc but you never hear of kids/parents dropping the coaches. Over the last few weeks I’ve found that as soon as something better comes along that’s it they are off to that place or as soon as things get tough they are not willing to stick it out they would rather jump ship.
I find that some parents have no loyalty to the coach that has gave up a lot of his/her time to help them but if a coach is letting a kid go then he is awful and slated. It’s not always the coach that’s the bad guy.
As they left the child in question was crying his eyes out. What have I done wrong?
I know it’s easier said than done when you’ve nurtured and cared about your little footballers but don’t beat yourself up that you’ve done something wrong! It’s the attitude of the parents thats wrong! My hubby coach for an under 9’s team has just gone through the same thing. It completely knocked his confidence and he lost his spark for the footy! He was talked about and belittled behind his back (on the sideline to other parents!!), he was accused of fixing trophies, criticised for his coaching and the parent took to social media asking another team to take his son on (while their son was playing for us and my hubby was taking time out to coach!!) took his child training with another team too!!!! We were so relieved when they finally left to go to another team!! (Grass is apparently greener!), as were the other parents who said they were sick of all the moaning!!!!! despite everything my hubby had done with and for their son since the age of 4/5 all he got was a text saying he was leaving!! Anyway the atmosphere of the team has gone back to the kids having FUN, and my hubby too!!! Please don’t take it to heart, it’s the child I feel sorry for having parents like that!! (Our parents took their kid away from all their close friends!!) you’re taking on a role a lot of people wouldn’t and I bet the rest of your team are more than happy that their CHILD gets to play footy, with their mates and have FUN! Keep up the good work!