What Makes a Good Coach?

Your club has multiple coaches. From a club leaders perspective, some coaches are better than others.
How are they better? Not just in the X’s and O’s, or the in-game tactics. Those develop and change all the time. But the best coaches are the ones who build relationships. The best ones know they are teaching players to be important people in society that grow and become strong contributors who might go pro, but will almost definitely coach their own kid if they get the chance.
Those are the best coaches.

How do you know if this is your coach?

The 3 Things to Look for in Your Child’s Soccer Coach
Hungry. Likeable. Expert.

In youth soccer, parents often look first at resumes, licenses, or club logos. But long-term player development — and your child’s daily experience — is shaped far more by who the coach is than what crest they wear.

If you’re evaluating a coach (or reflecting on the one your child currently has), here are three qualities that truly matter:

• Hungry
  A hungry coach is still learning. Still growing. Still curious. They attend courses and seek mentorship. They reflect on sessions and ask, “How can I do this better?” They watch games with a developmental lens. They care deeply about improving players — not protecting their ego.

How this connects with you as a parent: A hungry coach will welcome dialogue. They won’t feel threatened by thoughtful questions. Instead of saying, “That’s just how we do it,” they’ll explain the why behind decisions. For your child, this means training evolves, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and development stays the priority. A hungry coach models growth mindset — which is exactly what we want for players.

• Likeable
  Likeable doesn’t mean soft. It means relational. They connect with players as people. They create an environment of safety and trust. They communicate clearly and respectfully. They bring positive energy to the field.

How this connects with you as a parent: A likeable coach makes it easier for families to feel comfortable. Conversations don’t feel tense or defensive. You trust that your child is being seen and supported. For your child, this means they enjoy going to training, they aren’t afraid to try and fail, and confidence grows alongside skill. Fun and connection are not extras. They are performance multipliers.

• Expert
  An expert coach understands the game — and understands development. They teach age-appropriate concepts. They design purposeful training sessions. They know when to correct and when to let play flow. They prioritize long-term growth over short-term wins.

Expertise isn’t about shouting tactics on game day. It’s about building players who can think, adapt, and solve problems.

How this connects with you as a parent: An expert can clearly articulate what your child is working on, why certain positions or challenges are being introduced, and how progress is measured beyond goals and wins. Clarity builds confidence — for players and families.

Why All Three Matter Together
A coach who is hungry but not expert may lack direction. A coach who is expert but not likeable may lose players emotionally. A coach who is likeable but not hungry may stagnate. But when you find someone who is hungry, likeable, and expert, that’s a powerful environment. Your child grows. You feel informed. The experience stays joyful. And in youth soccer, joy and development should never compete.

If you’re reflecting on your child’s current coach, ask yourself: Do they continue to grow? Do they connect with my child? Do they truly understand development? Those three answers will tell you more than any win-loss record ever could.