Bryncoch FC Minis and Juniors

In the last two years since joining a committee at a football club I have learnt the biggest lessons ever. As a coach... you go to training sessions, you go to matches, you go the odd managers meeting and if your not using council pitches you mark out a pitch. That alone is hard work let alone taking on the most unsavoury part which is that you take flack from parents who don’t realise you are still paying for your child too. HOWEVER as a committee member and a manager this year I decided to take three weeks from training, I even dare to take a holiday. In that three weeks I was still dealing with: * new teams * Teams leaving * Player enquiries * Registrations * Sorting out players and parents that decide to leave despite having put out numerous amount of messages months before. * Kit orders which some how have to be collected during my busiest period of work * Equipment orders * Organising the collection of data for dbs so that new teams can actually run * League meetings * Parent enquiries and complaints which may have started from earlier during the season * Chasing up of subs so that bills can be paid for the season ahead. * Keeping on top of other managers. * Cut time short at work to interview new coaches You can’t really blame my wife for the sheer fact that whilst I’m meant to be taking a break my mind actually hasn’t switched off taking time away from my family. Now let’s not forget the fact that like other parents I too will pay my subs, I too am self employed , i too have family members ,I too have children and a family. Now over the course of the season il be doing my best like other committee members to ensure that the upkeep of the club is run. When there’s heavy rain forecasted il be getting down the club super early to make a call on pitches whilst others are slowly getting out of their bed and waking up and waiting for my call or text. However whilst I will do all the above I will also get it wrong at times. I will make the wrong decision at times , the wrong sub, perhaps make a wrong decision whilst trying to ref and run the team at the same time. Sadly I’ve listened to parents and grandparents from my own club slate other managers and committee members on the sidelines forgetting that these VOLUNTEERS stepped up quite simply when no one else did. Different clubs do things differently as I have found out first hand. I am doing the job that at some clubs has four people doing, but at other clubs doesn’t even have one. WE ARE VOLUNTEERS. So on behalf of every grassroots coach in the country can I please ask every grassroots parent to ensure that when they are perhaps having their conversations about the coach or managers on the sidelines, that they remember they have taken A LOT of time away from their own families and children to take time out for yours. This is all about the children in the team , however if you feel you could do some of the roles your club takes on then join the team, however if you can’t due to the problems and time constraints, which your child’s manager also has then please let them do the job they enjoy as best as they can. Many thanks, Every hardworking grassroots volunteer

When you’ve ran a team for years & they come to the last year of junior football, it’s so difficult to consider your life as a coach without them, being there every training session & game. Until you’ve been in this position you don’t realise how much a part of your life they are. As a coach you will miss sharing in their highs and being the one who helps them climb out of their lows. Enjoy every week, but keep looking at the calendar because I know the time is ticking. 😢