Does your team have a match-day philosophy?

Having a match-day philosophy - a set of values and principles that you, your players and their parents follow on match days will help to ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

While many teams have a 'playing philosophy', having a set of values that you live by on and off the pitch will be important to setting young players up for life, not just in football.

Remember - most of us are developing young people who play football, so having an impact on their life away from the game is just as important in their long-term development. 

Therefore, putting together a philosophy that all associated with your team adhere to is a great way of establishing why you are doing what you are doing.

Here's an example of what a Match Day Philosophy could look like:

1. Be the most respectful team - win, lose or draw. We must thank the opposition and the referee.
2. All players will have a minimum of 50 per cent playing time.
3. Rotate positions to maximise learning.
4. Try to keep the ball on the ground.
5. To Win. But not at the expense of points 1, 2 or 3 above.

Now, you might have your own ideas, principles, and values that you would like your team to follow on match day and, indeed, at all times when representing your club.

This list will give you an idea of what you could include and share with your players and parents. 

Staying true to your values will ensure you do not sacrifice your commitment to developing kids as footballers and young people.

In our CPD course 'The New Coach: Running Your Very First Team ', we help coaches to understand more about developing young players, creating a philosophy, match day management and dealing with parents. 

If you would like to join the coaches that have already taken the course, check it out by clicking the image below.