For several years I have been coaching kids up to twelve at FC Töss in Winterthur and looking after the F juniors of SC Hegi. Certified kids’ coach, on the pitch weekend after weekend – in rain, snow and heat.
What matters to me
- Joy first. You only learn what you enjoy. Kids should want the ball, not fear it.
- Every kid plays. Tournaments included. Squads rotate so everyone gets the same time on the pitch.
- Short, clear instructions. On the pitch as in the classroom: one sentence, one task, then let them play.
- Involve parents, don’t occupy them. Who plays when and where should be clear at a glance – without thirty WhatsApp messages.
From chaos to apps
Half of a youth coach’s week is organisation: checking the federation’s fixture lists, sending call-ups, collecting replies, planning tournaments, reporting results. That is exactly where my apps came from – for myself and my own teams. Most clubs organise themselves through SpielerPlus these days; I keep using my tools myself and keep building them so that one day they are useful to others too.
