Whether you’re the parent of a youth player or a volunteer giving to the sport that gave so much to you, there are few better ways to teach and mentor youngsters than to become a youth football coach. Youth football involves more than a great game; it encompasses lessons about teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. And it’s the coach who weaves those lessons into a football program.
USA Football Southeast Regional Manager Rick Peacock has coached youth football for 23 years. For every football-savvy person who has thought about coaching but has yet to act upon it, Peacock gives you a blueprint to get on the sidelines and make a difference in a young person’s life.
“The right way to become a coach is to start out as an assistant with someone who has been doing it for a while. One of the most important aspects of a quality coach is being able to communicate with the kids and run an organized practice. It’s important to understand your kids. Get to know them. Talk with them about topics other than football once in a while.
“Just as important as having a coaching mentor is coaching education. For someone new to coaching, get involved with programs like a USA Football Coaching School or usafootball.com’s coaching course to gain a solid foundation both fundamentally and philosophically.
“The best thing a new coach can do right away is fit in with the staff and pick one part of the game that you can be an ‘expert’ on. It might be something like calisthenics, agility, or special teams. Take that one aspect of the game and learn everything you can about it and then go out and contribute in that role. Learn as you go, and in the following year, become an expert in additional areas – that’s how you develop as a coach.
“I wish USA Football was around for me 23 years ago. I love how our coaching schools and online curriculum are so inviting. A lot of youth coaches shy away from talking with high school coaches because they don’t want to disclose how little they may know. Well, USA Football provides an avenue where someone can learn and prepare at his or her own pace and do so without feeling self-conscious.
“There are only a few professions out there where you’re defined by your title … professions like ‘Officer,’ ‘Judge,’ and ‘Coach.’ Coaching youth football is a huge responsibility and once you get involved, you learn just how extremely rewarding it is.”
Rick Peacock, a youth football coaching veteran of 22 seasons, is one of six USA Football Regional Managers. Peacock serves USA Football members in the country’s southeast region from Maryland to Florida. Contact you area’s regional manager to share news about your league or to ask about membership resources.