*As part of our contract with the Hillsborough County Athletic Department for the use of
field space, all coaches must submit a completed Volunteer Application and all U5 - 12
coaches must attend the mandatory Coach Certification class. The schedule
for the courses is listed above.
As you embark on
your upcoming journey as a coach in the Westchase Soccer program, it is a good time to
plan on the essentials for success. These hints are adopted from many years of experience
and through guidelines offered by many large governing soccer organization. You may
have additional ideas that may be helpful. We encourage you to experiment with what works
best for you and share those ideas with others to promote a supportive environment.
The purpose of a coach is to develop
players in a positive image of themselves, their teammates, coaches, game officials and
opponents and provide a good role model for players. Good coaching starts with a
good team philosophy that is achievable, realistic and consistent with the age group you
are coaching. Components of a team philosophy may include: having fun, teaching
basic skills, rules of the game and good sportsmanship. After you develop a team
philosophy, make a road map to achieve that philosophy and implement that philosophy
through your practices.
Next, have a parent
meeting to introduce yourself to the parents of your players. Make clear your expectations
including, but not limited to:
Team goals and
philosophy.
Introduce schedule
for practices and games.
Equipment
requirements and rules of short-sided soccer
Player and parent
behavior toward teammates, opponents and officials (and the WSA pledge)
Encourage them to
reference the WSA website for information
Have a similar
meeting with your players to establish expectations. With these hints in mind, you will be
prepared to start the season. Don’t forget we have the Professional
Development Officer available to help you create and implement a roadmap to
success.
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