When looking for soccer lessons for your kid, group or team, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Those of you that do not know too much about the sport may fall prey to ‘trainers’ that do not know much (or do not care much) about their job. The following list will give you an idea of what to look for:
1- Does s/he wear cleats?
As trivial as this may seem, it is an important question. Especially when working in individual training or small groups, soccer trainers should be involved in the drills rather than watching from the sidelines.
2- Is s/he licensed?
Having a license is not an absolute requirement to be a good soccer trainer. In fact, a terrible trainer may have a license, but the opposite does not occur that often. Seasoned, serious trainers will more than likely have a license. At the same time, one should not evaluate trainers by the number of licenses they have. At the end, it’s not about the rank but the difference they can make in your players’ game.
3- Does s/he come to practice with prepared lessons?
Beware of trainers that show up to practice and “wing it”. A good soccer trainer will come to practice with a detailed plan of topic(s) of the day and drills of the day. As a parent, you can ask for it at the beginning of practice and see if the trainer did his/her homework.
4- What is his/her attitude like?
Your player(s) will learn more from an engaging, positive trainer rather than a distant one that is just going through the motions. Soccer is a game. The trainer, as well as the players, should be having fun with it. If you can tell the trainer dreads being there, maybe it’s time to move on.
5- Referrals, referrals, referrals…
Do ask for referrals before agreeing to anything. Testimonials on a website are OK, but you want to be able to speak with real parents/coaches who have worked somewhat recently with the trainer.
