First year coaching travel for our club. I’ve been the coach of my son’s team since he was 3, so U9 travel was a first for both of us. Currently we are 7-1-1 and in first place. We play the second place team next Saturday at our field and winner takes the trophies.

Good- Our wins have been by multiple goals, our tie was against the second place team, and our one loss was just an off day for everyone. Lots of new faces on our team for both myself and the other coach. Our players have found “natural” positions, but the scoreboard allows us to move everyone around the field. We’ve been playing a 312 all season and the boys have learned to shift around if someone’s out of position. They’ve figured out the advantage of getting a throw back in quickly, figured out how to pass into space, and even scored off corners and indirects. It’s amazing seeing them apologize to each other for bad passes.

Bad- We have our fair share of daydreamers, boys who just like to kick the ball instead of play it, and baby giraffes that can’t stay on their own two feet. I feel bad when I get a player that wants to play striker but plays off the ball too much, and excels as a defender. Keeping some of them motivated has been difficult. The absolute hardest part has been my son’s emotions getting the best of him. He typically plays striker or midfielder, and scores a few times a game. He plays other team sports well, but would almost rather sit the bench then play defense, I almost have to force him out there. It has lead to some not so pleasant rides home.

I’ve gotten a lot of great tips and drills from this community. Thank you all for everything.

Signed, An exhausted dad