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Maintaining Your Well-Being as a Football Coach




At NexxtGen Football, we believe that when you’re at your best, you’re able to give your best. Balancing the pressures of coaching and everyday life can be tough, but maintaining your well-being is essential for both your mental health and the success of your team.


Why is Maintaining Your Well-Being Important?


Your well-being is how you feel in yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your well-being is balanced, you approach coaching with a positive mindset, which helps you navigate the ups and downs of the sport.


Good well-being doesn’t mean you’re always on top of the world. It means recognising when you’re not at your best and taking action to make positive changes. It allows you to face challenges head-on without letting them affect your mental health.


Looking after your own well-being also sets a strong example for your players. It shows them the importance of self-care and resilience, both on and off the field.


What Can Impact a Coach’s Well-Being?


At every level of football, coaches face pressure and high expectations. This is especially true in grassroots football, where coaches often wear many hats. Balancing your own job, family responsibilities, match day logistics, and player management can be overwhelming.


For grassroots coaches, trying to meet everyone's needs—parents, players, and the club—while staying organised can take a toll on your well-being. It’s important to find ways to manage these pressures to avoid burnout.


Tips for Improving Your Well-Being


Here are some strategies to help you maintain your well-being as a coach:

  • Prioritise your well-being: Take care of yourself first before handling coaching tasks.

  • Get enough rest: Prioritise sleep to ensure you have the energy to coach effectively.

  • Eat well: Fuel your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Live in the moment: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

  • Communicate openly: Talk to others rather than bottling up stress.

  • Make time for yourself: Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or going for a walk, allow yourself downtime.

  • Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with assistants, parents, or even your players.

  • Set realistic goals: Understand what you can achieve in the time you have.

  • Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything has to be flawless.


Understanding Your Well-Being


Being mindful of your well-being means regularly checking in with yourself. How are you feeling today? What’s going well, and what isn’t? When you feel drained, take steps to recharge—whether that’s taking a break or asking for help.


It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. There are always going to be things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.


By prioritising your well-being, you set a powerful example for your players. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—doing so fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe to express their own emotions.


Support for Coaches


As a coach, whether you have formal support networks or not, talking to others is key. Build connections with your peers, fellow coaches, and trusted friends. Starting open, non-judgmental conversations can help relieve stress and help you feel less isolated.





Staying Calm in Challenging Situations


Coaching football comes with many high-pressure moments—whether it’s handling upset parents, managing a tough loss, or facing criticism. Whatever the situation, staying calm is crucial. Here are some ways to stay grounded during stressful situations:


  • Prepare ahead of time: Whether it's your line-up or game plan, being well-prepared helps prevent last-minute stress.

  • Redefine success: Winning isn’t everything. Make sure players, parents, and others understand the team’s wider goals.

  • Have a strategy: Think through how you'll handle tricky scenarios before they happen.

  • Use calming techniques: If you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  • Embrace the ups and downs: Tough moments are part of the journey, but they make the victories even sweeter.


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in the power of positive coaching and the importance of well-being for both coaches and players. By taking care of yourself, you’re creating a healthier, more positive environment for your entire team.

Developing Your Coaching Philosophy




Think Beyond Tactics When considering a coaching philosophy, many immediately think of tactics, formations, and practice designs. However, a coaching philosophy encompasses much more than just the on-field strategy. It includes the values and beliefs that shape your interactions, relationships, and decision-making processes.

  1. Know What You Stand For Your actions and behaviour should be a reflection of your coaching philosophy. It's essential to determine what truly matters to you. Are you focused on the holistic development of your players, or are you driven by achieving results?

  2. Consider These Questions

  • What are my objectives?

  • What do my players need, and how can I support them?

  • What defines my moral standards and integrity?

  • What would be my personal and team mission statement(s)?

  • What ethical and inclusive principles underpin my coaching philosophy?

  1. Take Responsibility Answering the above questions will help you outline your values, belief system, and mission statement. It is then your responsibility to put these into action, demonstrating that your philosophy is both authentic and robust.

  2. Stay Consistent Your coaching philosophy should not be something you switch on and off. Consistency is key. Ensure that the principles you emphasise during training are also upheld on matchdays.

  3. Communicate Your Philosophy Clearly articulating your coaching philosophy helps in assuming responsibility for your actions. This transparency is beneficial for parents, players, and other coaches, as it sets clear expectations.

  4. Write It Down, Live It Daily Documenting your philosophy can aid in reflecting on your approach. However, to truly impact your team, you need to live by these principles every day. Strive to ensure that those around you understand what you stand for through your actions rather than just your words.

  5. Embrace Adaptation Research indicates that 'expert' coaches understand how various contexts influence their philosophy. Your environment can alter your perspective, whether it's a new committee member or a significant life event. Ensure that your coaching philosophy remains an ever-evolving framework, adaptable to new circumstances. Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach and football consultant, generally working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services and player representation.


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