A time to reflect

24 hours on from our game at Everton and I'm looking back and forward at the same time. I feel as if I need to take a good look at my coaching style, and see what improvements I can make. I have found this season challenging at times as I don't feel as if I have enjoyed it as much as in previous years, (I've been with them for 3 years now). In my defence I think that working night shifts hasn't helped as I've been more irritable. The boys are also a year older, there are more of them, ( now 11) and definitely more difficult to handle. That said I think I've lowered my standards a touch and I want to correct that immediately. But I still believe that coaching young footballers, and trying to keep control WHILST explaining things clearly is the most difficult thing I do in my life.

Working in a Bail Hostel, surrounded by medium to high risk offenders is, by comparison, easy. Although I must remain vigilant at all times, and keep looking for indications of a change in risk, by and large it is straightforward. Standing in the middle of up to a dozen young boys, each of them demanding attention, requires a patience and calmness that I know I lack at times. I am also aware that, at times, unnecessarily, I give myself a hard time over the standard of coaching and instruction that I provide. All of the boys seem to enjoy their involvement, and I receive no complaints form their parents. But it just hasn't felt right for a whole and I know the problem lies within me. I've recently asked my dad to start helping me out and I'm hopeful this will prove to be useful. Already I have come to realise that I will have to bite my tongue at times, (he can really get under my skin almost without trying). But it could be just the help I need to get the team back to where they belong, and for me to find that inner satisfaction that I used to enjoy.

It's Academic

Earlier on this evening the Green Machine took on Everton's under 8s academy boys at their Finch Farm complex. Played indoors on a thick carpet of astroturf, it gave the boys the opportunity to pit their footballing wits against younger, but ultimately more talented players. The age difference was a great leveller, and the teams were evenly matched up to a point. But the extra sharpness of the Everton fledglings shone through as they triumphed 6-3, displaying power and strength that was admirable. It was a good test, and a steep learning curve on how the really talented play the game. I couldn't help feel a few pangs of jealousy.

Academy standard players are a breed apart. Hungry to learn, able to absorb instructions and new skills, they are a joy to watch. They are also unlike their contemporaries in that they will pass the ball at will, foregoing the usual selfish streak seen in boys of this age. They may at times pass the ball too much, and their long-term development as skillful footballers could be compromise as a result. It is so good to watch though, especially as they were no older than 8 years of age. It was also useful in that it showed where my own players stand in terms of ability. Some struggled whilst others flourished. Philip did okay although he wasn't nearly as effective as normal due to the constant presence of tenacious players snapping around his ankles. Like me, he isn't particularly competitive but he does try. One or two of the Everton boys were so strong it made you shudder, and one midfield collision in particular made me gasp. There were a few bumps and scrapes to show off after the game but nothing too serious. The boys departed just after 8pm, exhausted and a little demoralised after the defeat. But they could all hold their heads up high after performing well.

I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed after the match, even allowing for the fact that the team had played well. As a coach it is often difficult to conduct a meaningful session, given that many of the boys prefer acting up to listening in. I yearn to achieve the levels of concentration and attentiveness that the Everton coaches' enjoy. My one hour per week contact time, (excluding matches) is dwarfed by the three hours these boys enjoy. Factor in higher concentration levels, remove the disruption, and add in wonderful surroundings, and you have plenty of time to learn. I must always try to get it right in my 60 minutes, or I run the risk of having to wait another week to amends. It is tough, but that is reality for the junior football team coach. Satisfaction and frustration are inextricably linked, and are experienced in equal measures. But I couldn't give it up, not for a minute. I will continue, waiting and striving to achieve footballing nirvana. It may be a long time coming, but it will be well worth the wait.

Kicking back

Following a most splendid weekend spent camping in Shropshire, the inevitable "down" has well and truly arrived, and all of us find ourselves slightly under the weather. One other member of our party, (a 15 year old) was sent home from school early as his teacher thought he looked exhausted. I've battled on today, and only succumbed to the inevitable about four pm when I nodded on the sofa. I may be tired however but I feel great, the legacy of time well spent. Put simply, it was the best short break I have ever been on, a wonderful three days that will live long in the memory. It was such a pity when Monday arrived and the adventure came to an end.

The campsite was basic with just a communal toilet and shower block to use. Other than that it was wide open fields, woods to explore, and nature to enjoy. Philip and Ellie had the time of their lives, playing happily with the other children in our group, and reveling in the freedom that camping brings. Ellie in particular forged a particularly strong bond with two other girls, and the tears that flowed when we were about to leave were expected. During the four days and three nights that we spent there we made many memories. The highlights include a parents versus children rugby match which was keenly contested, a talent show by the campfire which was very entertaining, and a mass football match to end festivities in which I notched the winner. It was easy on the wallet, (£34) good for the soul, (the laughter was incessant) and a roaring success. If only life was always like this.

Saying goodbye

The big match

2nd day

Camping