When we become coaches, we often think about everything we have to teach our players. We plan sessions, prepare activities, correct mistakes and try to help them become better footballers. We spend hours thinking about how to communicate ideas and make learning easier for them.

But somewhere along the way, I have realised that this relationship works both ways. While I have been trying to teach children about football and essential life skills, they have been teaching me quite a few things about life too.

Showing Up with Enthusiasm

One of the first things I have noticed is how they show up. Regardless of how their day has gone, many of them arrive at training with a smile, excited to see their friends and get their hands on a football. They might have had a tiring day at school, struggled with homework or simply had a difficult afternoon, but the moment they step onto the pitch, there is an excitement that is difficult to miss.

It has reminded me how easily we adults can lose that sense of enthusiasm. We become occupied with responsibilities, deadlines and things that have to be done. Sometimes, we forget to enjoy the simple things. Watching children get excited about something as simple as a football session has made me appreciate the value of showing up with a positive attitude.

The Gift of Endless Curiosity

Another thing I have come to appreciate is their curiosity. Children ask questions. Lots of them. Sometimes, the questions are directly related to football, while at other times they come completely out of nowhere. They want to know why something happens, how a particular skill works or whether they can try something differently. Some will ask the same question repeatedly until they understand it.

As coaches, we sometimes get so caught up in delivering a session that we forget how important it is to encourage this curiosity. A child who asks why we are doing an activity is not necessarily being difficult — they might genuinely want to understand what they are learning.

Fearless Experimentation

I have also noticed how willing children are to experiment. Give them a ball and some space, and they will often come up with their own ways of playing. They try unusual turns, attempt difficult skills and occasionally do things that no coach would have thought of including in a session. Most attempts do not work, but that rarely stops them from trying again.

There is something refreshing about that willingness to experiment without worrying too much about looking silly. As adults, we often hesitate because we are afraid of making mistakes or being judged. Children have reminded me that sometimes the best way to learn is simply to try.

“As adults, we often hesitate because we are afraid of making mistakes or being judged. Children have reminded me that sometimes the best way to learn is simply to try.”

The Resilience to Move On

Their ability to move on has also taught me something. A child might miss an easy chance, lose possession or make a mistake, and a few moments later, they are back in the game. Of course, not every child responds to disappointment in the same way, and some need encouragement to regain their confidence. But I have seen how quickly many of them can return their attention to what is happening in front of them.

They have reminded me that mistakes do not have to occupy our minds for the rest of the day. We can acknowledge them, learn something and move forward.

Young grassroots football players sharing a moment of mutual support and encouragement on the pitch
Innocence and resilience: Children remind us that mistakes are fleeting moments, and the joy of playing always comes first.

Rediscovering Wonder in the Small Things

Perhaps the biggest lesson has been to see the world with a little more wonder. Children can find excitement in the smallest things. A new game, a successful pass, a funny moment with a teammate or simply being given the responsibility of leading an activity can make their day. Things that adults might consider insignificant can mean a great deal to them.

This has made me think differently about coaching. We often measure a successful session by how much the players have learned or how well they have performed. But have they enjoyed themselves? Have they felt comfortable asking questions? Have they had the freedom to express themselves? Have they left the ground wanting to come back? Those questions matter just as much.

Learning Flows Both Ways

I started coaching because I wanted to teach football and help young players develop on and off the field. I still want that, and I know there is a lot I have to learn as a coach myself. But I have come to understand that the learning does not happen in only one direction.

I teach them about football and life skills, and they remind me about curiosity, enthusiasm, creativity and the importance of enjoying what we do.

Perhaps that is one of the most rewarding parts of working with children. You arrive at the ground thinking you are there to teach, only to leave having learnt something yourself. And sometimes, all it takes is a child showing up with a smile and asking you a question you had never thought about.

“You arrive at the ground thinking you are there to teach, only to leave having learnt something yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is a child showing up with a smile and asking you a question you had never thought about.”