PRESENTED BY
POWERED BY
PRESENTED BY
POWERED BY
COACHES
Hey Coaches of the Future Soccer Stars of the Philadelphia Union! Ready for some team talk? We've got news! The Philadelphia Union Foundation and PCOM have united forces to bring you something crucial: our Mental Health Toolkit for Coaching Young Soccer Players.
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Just as you'd never send your players onto the pitch without their proper gear, you shouldn't navigate coaching without being equipped to handle their mental well-being. Coaching young athletes is more than just tactics and drills; it's about understanding the mental game, especially when life gets tough off the pitch.
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We're diving deep into five crucial topics that can affect your players' performance and well-being, both on and off the field:
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Bullying: Recognizing when a new player isn't being integrated well into the team.
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Anxiety: Those jitters and nerves before a crucial match or penalty.
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Social Media: Navigating the highlights, lowlights, and potential pitfalls.
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Grief: Supporting players when they face significant personal losses.
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Depression: Identifying when a player might be struggling more than they show.
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For each topic, we provide insights on recognizing the signs, understanding its impact, and strategies for effective intervention and support. Equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your team thrives both on the field and in life.
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Coaching is a multi-faceted role, and understanding the mental health challenges young athletes might face adds another layer of depth to your leadership. Let's ensure our players are always in their best form, mentally and physically!
WHAT'S IN THE HEADFIRST PCOM DOWNLOADABLE TOOLKIT?
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO COACHES?
01
Tackling Offside! A Coach's Strategy for Dealing with Bullying in Youth
As the leaders of young athletes, it's our job not just to teach the skills of the game, but also to create a safe and positive environment for all. Bullying can disrupt that environment and harm your players—both the victims and the bullies themselves. So, how do you coach your way around this challenge?
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Navigating the Field: A Coach's Guide to Understanding Player Anxiety!
The pitch is a place of excitement and opportunity. But for some players, it's also a space where anxiety can sneak in. As the guiding force behind your team, you have the power to recognize and support players dealing with anxiety, ensuring they can perform at their best, mentally and physically.
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Online Play: A Coach's Guide to Understanding Social Media.
In the digital age, our players are not just navigating the challenges on the field, but also in the online world of social media. As the captain of your team off the field as well, you have a role in guiding and supporting your players in their online interactions.
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Standing by Your Player: A Coach's Guide to Understanding Grief in Young Athletes.
Life throws unexpected curveballs, and sometimes our young players are faced with challenging situations, like the loss of a loved one. As the backbone of your team, you have an important role in recognizing and supporting players navigating through grief.
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Supporting the Team Off the Pitch: A Coach's Guide to Understanding Depression in Young Athletes.
The challenges our players face aren't limited to just the pitch. Sometimes, they're battling internal adversaries that can be harder to recognize, like depression. As the guiding force of your team, you play a critical role in recognizing and aiding players who might be experiencing depression.
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