By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching Eastern New York Youth Soccer 
Association
I have worked in the last 40 years with thousands of coaches from two very different countries. Coaches that have worked in all different levels within the game. In my view, here are the key traits that make someone a good coach:
- Displays a deep passion for coaching and teaching in a way that makes the learners thrive.
- Connects with the players as people first and shows a genuine interest in their well-being.
- Is always well-planned and prepared.
- Possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of the child in front of him or her.
- Combines the above with a deep knowledge of the game and can therefore make wise decisions on what to teach.
- Understands that player development should always come before the win-at-all-costs mentality.
- Has a great ability to understand the readiness of the group, puts their needs first and is willing to adapt.
- Is a master of the 14 different methods in youth coaching and can adapt which are employed based on the context they have to coach within.
How many of these characteristics do you fulfill?
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/