Courtesy photo: The first school I went to in 2024 to start my ambition with the charity. In the high mountains of the sacred valley.
Coaching is something that will change lives.
By Marshall Ryals
Coaching is not just about the art of teaching: it’s about understanding the players and the league you’re coaching in. There are several important factors to consider, such as the type of league you are involved in. Is it a developmental, select/travel, or school league? What are the goals for the team, the players, and for you as a coach? Understanding these elements is crucial to being a successful coach. Without this understanding, you risk harming the players, the league, and yourself.
When coaching in a developmental league, the emphasis is on development. The goal is to help players acquire the skills they need to move on to more competitive leagues or eventually play at the school level. Winning should not be the primary focus. Instead, the focus should be on developing each player according to their age and experience. For instance, when coaching children under eight, the primary focus should be on teaching basic skills—such as proper kicking, dribbling, and passing—as well as introducing the basic rules of the game.
As a coach, it’s essential to recognize that players might be at different stages of development. Some kids may have been playing since they were three or four years old, while others may be starting for the first time at age seven. A player who has been playing for several years will have a stronger understanding of the game than someone just starting. It’s important not to get frustrated when some players need more time to grasp basic skills. A good coach will adapt, providing tailored instruction for each child while also helping more advanced players continue to develop.
One of the most important things a coach can do is set clear expectations with both the players and their parents. It’s vital to ensure everyone understands the goals for the season. Communicate with the parents—outside of their children’s presence—about what is expected of them, especially in a developmental league. For example, let parents know that the focus is on learning, having fun, and developing skills, not necessarily on winning. Winning is a bonus, but the primary goal is for kids to enjoy the game and learn from it.
Make sure parents understand that in a league like this, which might consist of only eight weekly practices and eight games, their involvement is crucial. Encourage them to practice with their children outside of scheduled team activities. Whether through additional leagues or simply kicking the ball around at home, extra practice will help players improve. Otherwise, such a short season can become an obstacle to skills development.
Courtesy photo: We would drive around the sacred valley and find schools that needed help. Which is 99% of them. Always wishing I could do more.
As a coach, it’s important to understand that every child learns differently. Some players may be visual learners, others may learn better through hands-on experience, or through auditory cues. The way you communicate with each player should reflect their unique learning style. Tailor your approach to what motivates them. A coach who can adjust their communication style to each player’s needs is more likely to succeed in helping the team develop.
When providing feedback, it’s essential to focus on positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. Remember to adjust your language based on the player’s age and maturity. For instance, a five-year-old learning how to kick the ball might benefit from a more hands-on approach. A coach might say, “Billy, I like what you did there, but let’s try putting your foot here before kicking the ball.” The coach may even need to position the child’s foot to help them understand the right technique. With an older child, like an eleven-year-old, the language might shift to something like, “Jane, your kick looks great, but let’s place your non-kicking foot next to the ball to make sure you get more power behind it.” Afterward, be sure to offer lots of positive encouragement.
In a developmental league, it’s important to give each player an equal amount of play time during games. While this isn’t always possible due to factors like team size, you should strive to provide everyone with fair opportunities to participate. If you have assistants or parent volunteers, ask them to track playtime to ensure equality.
In contrast, the approach in select/travel or school teams often differs, where the more skilled players may get more playing time. However, in a developmental league, your focus should be on fostering an environment where every player is involved and has a chance to improve.
Coaching can be a challenging balancing act, particularly when it comes to managing the expectations of parents. Some parents may have a strong desire to win, and some might be critical if they feel their child isn’t getting enough attention. Clear communication from the beginning of the season—and throughout—can help set expectations. Regular check-ins with parents about their child’s progress can also alleviate concerns and encourage a supportive environment.
Remember, parents need to understand that many developmental league coaches are often parents themselves who are still learning the ropes. Coaching takes time to master, and it’s a rewarding but challenging role. Coaches are always doing their best, even if they don’t have all the answers.
Parents should be formally cautioned that their desire to coach from the sidelines is not helpful, and indeed it interferes with the goals of a developmental approach and the nature of a team effort.
As a coach, you must be really adaptable and positive. Being adaptable is a key trait for a coach throughout his or her entire career. It means if you find that something is not working in practice or in a game, don’t get frustrated. Use it as a learning point for yourself that can expand your understanding of the sport and the kids you are working with.
Just because something doesn’t work one practice or one game does not mean that it won’t work in another practice or another game. Sometimes you’ll find that a failure turns into success a few practices later. Sometimes it just never works at all or requires the passage of years, and a new class of kids, before it works.
Courtesy photo: A small community school outside Calca in the scared valley in January 2025. Starting to donate food as well this year.
So much also depends on the players and the team at that moment, the physical age that they are at developmentally (as opposed to their actual age) and the mental attitude the players bring with them. Always adapt and try something that might be out of the box. And like anything in life, the biggest way to learn how to coach better is to fail. The other biggest thing for a coach is to stay positive. When you feel frustrated that your approach is not working and the practice or game is not bringing the results that you want, take a step back, regain your own positive mental approach, and then adapt. Practice practice practice—that applies to both you and the kids. And the parents too. As coaches, we are in many ways just like the young athletes. We have to watch, listen, learn and always practice, practice practice as well. A parent on the sidelines needs the skill of not competing with you as a coach—practice practice practice.
The core of coaching in a developmental league is exactly that: development. Your job is to help players improve their skills, learn to love the game, and continue to develop, whether or not they win a single game. If parents and players are all on the same page regarding this goal, the season will be much more fulfilling for everyone involved.
On a separate note, I’d like to share a personal project I’ve started in Peru. I am working to bring school supplies, soccer balls, and now food to schools in the high mountains of the Sacred Valley, where schools receive little to no support from the government. While I’m still in the process of establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I’ve created a GoFundMe page to raise funds: letshelpthemplay.org. On the page, you can learn more about my mission and the impact we’re making. If you’d like to contribute, your support is greatly appreciated and makes a bigger impact than you can imagine. In addition to this work in Peru, I plan to continue similar efforts in Santa Fe in the coming year. Your help, no matter how small, makes a big difference.
Marshall Ryals has a BS in education and prek-12 physical education. Is a veteran were he did search and rescue in the United States Coast Guard. He has played many sports at the elite level and has coached in many disciplines. He has two daughters that are 7 and 8. Currently coaches any sport that they like to be involved in. Including northern soccer, Carlos Guilbert swim team and more. He has started a charity called School Supplies and Soccer Balls for all that brings much needed supplies to the sacred valley in Peru. Soon to be in Santa Fe as well.