Creating a healthy, happy environment

The phrase ‘positive environment’ is used frequently in soccer.

However, it is not something which just occurs. Like everything else in coaching, a positive environment is something which has to be built and then consistently worked on.

What is a positive environment?

A positive environment is one that is safe, both physically and psychologically.

It is also one where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves and where they can grow and be challenged without fear of judgement or repercussions.

A positive environment is not one in which nothing goes wrong – that isn’t real life. Things still go wrong, but those involved are able to come together to move past them.

It is important to note that, in a soccer context, a positive environment isn’t just for the players. It should extend to everyone involved in a team or club, including you as the coach.

How can you create a positive environment?

One way to think about your role as a coach is to see yourself as the facilitator of an environment.

The environment doesn’t belong to you – it belongs to everyone, the players in particular – but a key part of your role is to foster and maintain it.

Aside from the absolute musts of making sure you are up to date with safeguarding procedures and ensuring appropriate space and equipment is used, there are numerous things you can do to shape the environment you are coaching in.

Get to know your players

Knowing players’ names – and, in particular, the proper way to pronounce them – is an absolute minimum.

If you struggle with remembering names, just let the players know and remind them that you are happy to be corrected – they deserve to have their names remembered and said properly.

Find out more about your players both on a football level, such as what position they prefer and why they got into the game, and on a personal level. Get to know their other interests, what their family situation is and who their friends are on the team.

"Find out more about your players, both on a football level and on a personal level..."

The more you know about your players as individuals, the better you will be able to tailor how you work with them, on and off the pitch, and the more trust they will have in you.

Say hello

This may sound incredibly basic, but don’t underestimate how meaningful a greeting can be.

A simple, ‘Hi, [name]. How was your day?’ can start off a training session or match on a positive note for a player.

Keep it equal

It is human to naturally gravitate towards certain personalities; think about why you have chosen your particular friends over the years. It makes sense, then, that the same thing will happen with your players.

There might be a player with whom you find it easier to chat, or who approaches you more than the others do. 

That doesn’t mean you should give them more of your time than you would other players. Each one deserves your attention, and it is your job to make sure they get it.