That One Person -- To Be A Coach

That One Person when you were a kid.

The teacher. Or maybe it was a parent, aunt, family friend.

Maybe it was a coach.

That One Person that saw the spark of your talent; spark of potential; spark that let them zero in on you and put in the extra effort, that gave you the extra push, that “saw” you for perhaps the first time.

Or perhaps, you’ve never known that person. You look back at your childhood and think, I could have used that person but there was never a moment.

Either memory is valid. Both happen.

And both can be the spark needed to become that One Person.

Here’s something that we’ve learned about youth sports. Are youth sports beneficial to kids? The research says that if the child wants to be playing, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

But here is something that is not talked about as much; the benefits adults find by being a coach. By being that One Person.

“Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.”

So says Coach Pete Carroll. Whether or not a Seahawks fan, very few will argue with the idea that Pete Carroll knows what he is talking about when it comes to coaching.

"A little nudge.”

Seeing a player. Seeing their potential. Imagining where they can go, and then helping them along their journey.

If you’ve not already caught the intent of this post, it is to promote our upcoming coaching courses and to encourage coaching volunteers. But this post is also to shine a light on the coaches we already have as well. The coaches that wake up early on a weekend and obsess about the game play as their spouse drives them to the game because they want… no need… to make sure that they succeed. Not for themselves, but for their players on the field.

Because our coaches want to make a difference. They want to see the light in the player’s eyes. They want to be the rock amidst the chaos that often comes with growing up.

They care.

And the rewards are tremendous. Sometimes that’s forgotten in the scheme of things; in the second-guessing; in the politics or the tension that can come from making certain decisions.

But it’s there.

To care. To help mold and maybe hold a (metaphorical) hand as that player navigates life and finds success because you saw that glimmer and you provided that nudge.

To have a part in that?

We don’t know what else could be more inspirational.

And here we come to the promotional piece. We are offering free coaching courses for those interested. The courses are broken into age groups whether you are looking to help a 4-year-old with “spiderman kicks,” or a competitive coach wanting to steer a youth into the perfect corner kick.

All are welcome, though a background check is required. When we say “all” we mean all, including current coaches looking to deepen their understanding; interested parents, guardians etc.; or older players wanting to stay connected to the sport they love.

The classes will be held on June 4th, 11th, and 25th and will include a classroom portion and then field work. There is no cost to participate in these courses.

Please contact Matthew McDaniel at united@sksoccer.com for more information.

Are you up for being that One Person?