children play footballAs a coach it is very important that we understand that all players are individuals and will react, develop and learn in different ways and at different speeds.There are many factors that can influence the players, such as their age, peer pressure, family, parents, friends, school and how much they enjoy playing and training.To be able to effectively coach young players, coaches need to understand the different characteristics that players display, why they act the way they do, how players develop, physically and mentally and how we need to adjust our own attitudes to these developing young players.It is important that as coaches, we organise our groups when coaching to take into account the ability and size differences amongst players of similar age. For some technical, less physical practices you might consider grouping by ability, for example, dribbling and ball control skills and techniques. For other more physical training activities such as running and physical fitness games, defending and 1 v 1 and 2 v 2 the groups should be determined by the size and physical fitness of the players.Why children play soccerWhen coaching young children it is important to consider the reasons for their participation. It is equally important to look at our own motivating factors in choosing to coach and to consider if they are appropriate for the age group we are working with.The vast majority of young children will participate and play soccer for the following reasons:To Have FunThere can be little doubt that at this age the main aim for the child is to have fun. If they are having fun they will be motivated to listen and to learn. If they are not having fun they will not want to be there and this will be evident in their reaction, behaviour and performance. Understanding this has clear implications for the way we coach and the type of coaching session that we deliver. A main responsibility for a coach is to keep the children interested and enthusiastic for as many years as possible and to impart a love of the beautiful game. We do this through exciting, fun, varied and stimulating practices and realistic expectations.To Be With FriendsThe social benefits of playing and being part of a club and team cannot be overestimated. In the right environment the children make new friends and can develop their relationship with established friends through a common interest. Often the presence of friends and the opportunity to interact is more important than the game itself. This is sometimes difficult for adults to understandThe Excitement of CompetitionChildren love to play games, to compete against each other. The playing of fun games and drills will motivate the children to participate enthusiastically. However, the coach will play a very important role in shaping the children's' attitude towards competition. An important lesson for children to learn is how to cope with winning and losing. Therefore, the way the coach reacts to the winners and losers of different activities will be noticed and absorbed by the children.To Learn and Improve SkillsThis might not be the initial factor that motivates the children to play. However, within a short period of time some of the players may even take enough interest to start practicing various skills at home. They will take pleasure in mastering skills that they have been taught so that they can show their family, coach and friends a level of competence. The positive reinforcement that follows improvement further encourages this development.It is crucial that the coach considers these factors when working with a team. If the children are improving, having fun and keep coming back to play and train then the coach must be succeeding.Parental influenceAlmost certainly the biggest influence on a child's life will be their parents, particularly in the early years. If a parent has a real love for a specific hobby, that love is very likely to be shared by the child. Many parents love soccer and as a result, that love and enthusiasm is transferred to their children. It is great that parents and children can share a mutual passion that can improve relationships. Other benefits of playing soccer include:Provides a healthy lifestyle and positive activitiesEncourages fitness and exerciseBuilds confidenceEnables the player to socialise and develop social skillsEncourages and develops self-disciplineEncourages a sense of self-respect and respect for others, team mates, the opposition, officials and coachesDevelops and improves teamwork and mutual co-operationDevelops the ability to handle success and failureHelps to develop communication skills, both verbal and non verbalProvides new, exciting and ongoing challengesMakes new friendsWhy do children stop playing soccer?So why do some children drop out of soccer? The answers to this question must be that the soccer program they are currently participating in is no longer satisfying their motivational needs. At this point they are:Not having funNot being with their friendsNot experiencing the excitement that healthy competition providesFailing to and improve new skills

1. Improve as a player If you're a keen footballer already, you might be getting a bit frustrated with the people you play with. Perhaps you take your game seriously, and want to improve, whereas your mates might just see it as a bit of fun.2. Play regularly Playing football regularly will help you improve, and you'll learn a great deal about the game.  You might even change position; you might have seen yourself as a defender, but the manager might see you as a winger, or a striker.3. Exercise and fitness Playing football will keep you fit and healthy, and if you take your game seriously, you might begin to think more about your body, and your diet. Lasting 90 minutes on a Sunday is a hard task, especially if you're not used to it, and not in the best shape.  You'll soon improve though, if you're serious about your game.4. Improve as a person Becoming a regular in your football team will give you added responsibilities and will help you to mature.  You'll have to turn up on time, and bring your kit, and be prepared for a training session or a match.  This can help you be more organized at work and at home.5. Make new friends Joining a team will be a great opportunity to make new friends, and benefit from their skills and experiences.6. Not expensive Football is a cheap sport to get involved in.  There's no need to spend a fortune on expensive equipment.  As long as your boots are comfortable and you have suitable shin pads and gloves if you're a goalkeeper, that's probably all you'll need, as the rest of the kit is likely to be provided by your team.7. Work as a team Working as part of a team will help you to play as a team, rather than 11 players.  You'll need to follow the manager's instructions during a game, and the coaching sessions will enable you to learn formations and tactics, as well as improve fitness and skills.8. Achieve your potential If you think you've got what it takes to be a footballer, you'll want to give it a go, and not wonder if you could have made it as a professional.  Joining a team will give you this opportunity.9. Play like a professional You might wear the same boots as your favorite player, and try and emulate them, especially if you play in the same position.  You might spend a lot of time watching other football, to help you improve, or have the same discipline as a professional, as you take the game seriously10. Because you enjoy the game If you didn't enjoy playing football, you wouldn't want to play it.  So if you're playing for a team, and you're not enjoying it, for whatever reasons, why not consider putting in a transfer request, and trying out for a different team?You might not be the speediest winger with all the tricks, you might not get a hat trick every game, but as a player in the team, you're just as important.