How To Coach An Elementary Girls' Soccer Team

Whether you've been asked to teach an elementary girls' soccer team as a parent or in addition to your teaching duties, it usually isn't a highly competitive sport. Younger girls simply need an introduction to soccer, practice in the basics and a good foundation for enjoying physical activity. You may play against other teams at the school or against other elementary schools, but your first priority should be safety and enjoyment for the girls, not the worry of winning and losing.

Step 1

Offer inclusive tryouts and open registration, if possible. Since elementary school games are not as highly competitive as a middle school or high school's program, you can be more inviting when it comes to new players. By including players who are less proficient or who have disabilities, you send a positive message to the girls about being inclusive when it comes to forming groups.

Step 2

Ensure that every girl has the chance to play at each game. Not all girls will be soccer stars, but it's important each girl feels as though she is a valued member of the team. If some girls have special needs, you may need to appoint an aide in order to help her play, or place her in a less active role for a small percentage of the game. Playing only the best players can have a negative effect on some of the girls' self esteem.

Step 3

Focus on teaching the basics of soccer during regular practices, as well as coaching the girls on good sportsmanship. Elementary girls will not need to learn to "bend it like Beckham." Rather, they'll need to learn about passing, scoring and the basic rules of the sport. Spend time talking about safe game play and proper sportsmanship and be a good example of both.

Step 4

Place the girls in positions according to their strengths, but don't expect Major League Soccer adherence to those positions. Depending on the age of the girls, their natural instinct will be to follow the ball, regardless of the positions you've asked them to play. Gentle reminders about their important contributions in their proper positions will help put them back in their places during timeouts and halftime.

Step 5

Involve the girls' parents as much as possible. The parents can bring snacks, offer pep talks, help drive to games if necessary and help run practices. This allows the parents to see their daughters in physical roles and helps reinforce the importance of making fitness a family affair, as well as helping to lighten your coaching load.