Volunteers
Brewster FC’s program depends upon volunteer coaches at both the In-House and Travel level. Even if you have no familiarity with soccer, we can help you prepare to help your child by coaching a team.
Register as an In-House Coach – click here
Register as a Travel Coach – click here
Expectations
Volunteer In-House coaches will be expected to communicate with the team, hold one practice a week, and attend games on Sunday.
Communication
Coaches should ensure that all players and parents are regularly informed about team matters. Coaches will be supplied with a list of email addresses and phone numbers for their team. Coaches may wish to use a Team Manager to help them in this regard.
Coaches should direct communication concerning team matters to the Brewster FC In-House Director.
2017-18 Coaches Information Sheet
Practices
Coaches should hold practices at least once a week on approved fields at approved hours. This will normally mean the school fields at JFK. No practices may begin before 6:00 pm on school nights unless the Board gives permission. Players not registered with Brewster FC cannot join your practices due to legal implications. Coaches should have the medical form of all players on hand for all practices (and games).
Practices at all levels should maximize the amount of active time players have with a ball at their feet. Coaches should utilize activities and games devoted to specific skills, and should limit down time – try to reduce time spent in lines or on lectures.
A basic practice structure for all ages is:
- warm-up (all players dribbling with a ball, instead of laps)
- small-sided games and activities that emphasize specific skills
- “the game” (scrimmage played as close as possible to real game)
Warm-Up: cardio-vascular workout and maximizing ball touches
- players should dribble the ball at a fast pace (no walking)
- you may use cones, sidelines, etc. to organize/set the warm-up
- direct the players to attempt a variety of moves with the ball:
- warm-up should be followed by stretching (esp. leg muscles)
Games
Games are a chance for players to attempt to use their skills independently and enjoy playing soccer. Coaches and parents should strive to let players make their own decisions (and mistakes) without shouting too many instructions while a player is involved in the game. Attempts at corrective instruction should be best be made while the player is not directly involved in playing the game.
[During practices, if a player makes an error you want to correct, it is a good procedure to have the player immediately duplicate the situation and practice making the correct play.]
Winning
Coaches, parents, and players all enjoy winning. However, focus on a score should be downplayed, especially at younger levels. Winning at the In-House level should not be pursued when it is at the expense of:
- correct Soccer instruction
- equitable playing time
- respect toward referees, all players, and opposing coaches
- team competition (no margin of victory should ever be > 5 goals)
