07/06/2025
This is just a reminder that the large majority of coaches you’ll encounter during your kids’ youth sports years are volunteers.
They aren’t paid to be there.
They aren’t getting anything out of it for themselves.
They show up because they genuinely care.
These coaches dedicate their time, energy, and efforts to not only make your kids better athletes—but even more importantly, better people.
A good coach will teach the fundamentals of the game, sure. But they also teach things like grit, good sportsmanship, work ethic, and so much more.
They encourage your kids from the sidelines, high-five them when they make good plays, reassure them when they’re in a funk, and are intentional about being positive role models.
These coaches are the ones who come home after a practice or game beaming because the kid who’s been struggling all season finally made a basket or connected with the ball after a rough string of strikeouts.
They spend their (very little) free time looking up drills and inspirational quotes.
They want to teach a winning mindset, absolutely, but they also believe down to their core that fostering an environment where kids fall in love with a sport is the first step to their success—so they focus on being encouraging and kind instead of condescending and harsh.
Youth coaches volunteer because they’re invested not just in the game, but in your kid.
So the next time you’re frustrated with a coach’s decision—because that will happen at some point—know this—
They’re doing their best,
They’re making what they think is the best decision at any given moment,
They believe in your kid,
And they care more about them more than you’ll ever know.
© Casey Huff
**Sports parents! I recently started a new page, Sideline Mom to talk about all things youth sports. I'd love to have you join me there over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideline.mom?igsh=c3EwYWcyZW12ZWxt&utm_source=qr
