Soccer, as is the case with life, is a team sport. The more great people you surround yourself with, the more you will achieve. Teamwork is about coming together to achieve a common goal. As a coach, I had the pleasure of coaching teams loaded with amazing players. But I learned that having a team full of great players is not enough. How the players feel about each other determines the level of success.
Years ago, I had a great opportunity where I amassed a lot of really skilled players and we had an opportunity to compete for a State Cup Championship. I had high hopes only to be crushed when our team crashed and burned. Lots of infighting, mistrust of players, mistrust in me as a coach, constant bickering, and snide comments from parents. Sadly, we went winless. Players left for “better situations.” My confidence was crushed. Many questioned whether I had what it took as a coach to lead, especially when you have the pieces in place to win a championship. It really hurt.
Through my growth as a coach, I’ve been led to hang on to humility. I coach people, not players. This had led me on a journey to understand who I am through coaching. I have been able to learn a lot more about my players, through developing a relationship with them outside of soccer. I have encouraged my players to do the same. This has led high performing teams and strong bonds that beyond soccer. I have former players who later went into business together, have been to each other’s weddings, and collaborated on some really cool things.
Teamwork allows people to achieve more as a group than one can achieve alone.