27/04/2026
I had a decision to make at the weekend. After going a few goals down, the opposition coach offered a power play.
It has its place—but I chose to refuse it.
Why? Because I believe in the potential of our players. I trust the process, and more importantly, I trust those boys wearing the Poole Town shirts.
Even at 6, 7, and 8 years old, resilience matters. Learning to fight as a team, and for your team, matters.
There’s no enjoyment in losing—but there is real enjoyment in players creating opportunities, showing character, and finding a way to work themselves back into a game.
If you’ve selected attack-minded players with the purpose of developing their work rate—tracking back, covering, and competing against stronger teams—then adding extra players just to even up the score becomes counterproductive.
Adding defensive responsibility to attacking players builds mentality, aggression, game awareness, and overall strength. Even in the final third, defending from the front improves the team.
On the other side, giving less attack-minded players the responsibility to be creative—to solve problems without relying on others—shows trust and belief. That’s how those players grow in confidence and develop their game.
You’ll often find players struggle with losses and tough games if they haven’t experienced that side of their journey. That resilience has to be developed.
It’s important to not accept losing. While people say it’s not all about winning—and at this age, development comes first—as players progress, winning will matter.
But the way to win is by challenging yourself against better teams. That’s where real improvement happens.
That’s the difference. Some coaches chase results. Others focus on development.
Teams built around results may find short-term success, but they often plateau. Teams built on development continue to grow.
That’s where belief is built.
– Coach Chris
