I'm a big fan of Players Tribune series of articles called "Letter to my younger self" . I've read them all and there are many thoughts expressed in these publications to which I can really relate. For those of you reading this post who are not familiar with the series, take the time to google it and read through them. In essence the articles are by selected athletes in different sports sharing thoughts and knowledge acquired over time that they share with a younger version of themselves. There is a varied cross section of athletes that I think any sports fan can find one or some they will enjoy.
In my own case, the recent months as I've sought out topics to blog about, has made reflect on my coaching career and involvement in sport through a new perspective. I've shared about this on various occasions but I thought to myself " what would I tell a younger Jorge given the chance " . So here is my attempt ..... in the spirit of " A letter to my younger self ". Dear 25 year old Jorge You've been asked by your friend and former teammate Dave if you could be his assistant coach with Lakeshore's Sr women's soccer team. He figures you know and are friends with most of the players, not to mention your fiancé plays on the team so being the coach might be weird but being just the assistant will help him without making it awkward. It's 1991 and women's soccer isn't yet big or mainstream but trust me it will grow. It will become an Olympic sport, World Cups will take place, games will be televised and some players might even become professionals. You know you love the sport and you attend so many of the team's games, so don't even hesitate saying yes. There will be a day when coaching soccer will be a big part of your life and who you are to the point that you can't imagine not being a coach. You know the game and as a player you've worked hard for everything you've earned. However coaching is very different. Be confident in your knowledge but humble in your actions. Don't defer to anyone but seek out and listen to those that can help you learn the craft of coaching. Some will tell you that you aren't coaching real soccer or that you coach women because you aren't coaching good enough to coach men. You are going to hear sexist comments about being lucky to coach sexy women athletes , sweaty in shorts. Don't be afraid to answer back. You are at the beginning of something new, part of the growth of women's sport in general and soccer specifically.. Be confident , be bold and stay true to yourself but always making sure you are creating a positive and rewarding environment for your athletes. Coaching soccer is going to provide you with some exciting experiences and some frustrating moments. Don't let the highs cloud your focus on improving yourself and always seeking to give your players the best of experiences and don't let the lows make you forget your love of the game and motivation to continue. Take nothing for granted and understand that while you are perhaps helping pave the way for the growth of women's soccer, it existed before you and will continue to exist once you are done. As your experience accumulates and confidence in your coaching ability increases you are going to realize there is a bigger picture in play but never forget you remain a male involved in female sport. Regardless of any bias or stereotyping you will come across you can never fully understand what it is to be a female and experience it firsthand. Fight for what you believe, coach with respect for your players and never lose sight that without players , there is no need for coaches. They don't exist for you, you are there for them. Share your passion for the game, lead by example and accept that some of your players won't understand your decisions or even like you very much. You can only do your best. As you move through your coaching career, the reasons you stay involved will change, you are going to become invested in something really important to you and I implore you to be a positive influence and role model for your athletes. The efforts you make might help them beyond the playing field. Enjoy the ride my younger self , it's going to be fun, challenging , frustrating , rewarding , tiring , disappointing and so much more both good and bad. As for the fiancé you currently coach, she's going to be alongside you during your coaching so don't take her for granted and always make time for her Enjoy
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AuthorAfter many years of coaching at various levels and with different teams, I thought I would share some of my experiences and thoughts about coaching. Archives
January 2023
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