Coaching an U11 football team

From Sidelines to Touchline: How I Became an U11 Coach

Two years ago, almost to the day, my then 8-year-old son had just finished swimming lessons, and the Little Kickers academy he’d been attending told him he was now too old. A friend of his had joined a local team, so we gently encouraged him to give it a try one summer evening.

It was held in a part of town I didn’t really know, on a rough field with no goals or markings. Most of the kids were new. I told myself I wouldn’t get too involved, I just wanted to see if he enjoyed it and whether he’d want to join the team.

But on the “not getting involved” part… I should’ve known better.

Football Was Always There

Growing up, my dad was always involved in football. He coached me for a while, ran the line most weekends, and was on the club committee for years. Even before that, I’d watch him play until he was 45, often sat on the sidelines while my mum was working.

I played from the age of 8 to 32 (and still throw on the Astros whenever I can). In my 20s, living in Paris, I joined a local Monday night team. Three games in, the coach quit and I offered to take over. For five years I managed and captained the “Oranges Mécaniques” later renamed Cosmos Academy. No training sessions, 15 flaky players, and full team talks in French. Safe to say, it was a great learning curve.

From Dad to Coach

Back to 2022. My son Oscar was invited to join the team. Just before the season began, the coach left. A player’s uncle stepped in to help.

At first, I just watched. But soon they needed referees. I got asked last-minute to cover a game… then another… and another. After a string of tough losses and the coach stepping down, I got a text in early 2023: “Would you be up for helping out?”

I checked with Oscar first. He was still new to football, trying different positions, finding his feet. I wanted him to be comfortable with me being on the touchline. He said yes, probably not realising how loud my voice can get during a game.

18 Months In

I’ve learned a lot since then. And I still have so much to learn.

I bring a lot of what I use in executive coaching into this role: patience, structure and encouragement. This group of 10- and 11-year-olds has taught me more about leadership, learning, and humility than I expected.

I’d fallen out of love with football a bit before my boys got into it. But now, I wake up on match days just as excited as they are. When it’s raining, I pretend I love it, because some of them are freezing and would rather be inside playing video games. When we lose, I focus on what went well. When we win, I celebrate like I scored the winner, but I talk about their effort and how much they’ve improved.

Why This Blog?

I’m starting this blog to share some of what I’m learning along the way. Maybe it’ll help other volunteers, parents, or coaches out there trying to figure this all out too.

If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you.