One Question
Why do you coach?
One Insight
Most people will say: “For the players.”
But if I’m honest, that wasn’t true for me, not at the start.
I had one clear ambition:
I wanted a full-time role at an elite club.
I didn’t mind which one, I just wanted the badge, the tracksuit, the title.
I wanted to be in a world-class environment, surrounded by the best talent in the world.
I wanted to be known as one of the best academy coaches in the country.
It wasn’t for the players. It was for me.
For me to achieve what I wanted it had to be for me, I had to be selfish.
And here’s the truth: that ambition got me through the door, it got me onto the pitch.
But it wouldn’t have kept me in the room.
Because eventually, the badge wears off.
The novelty fades.
And what’s left is your ability to make an impact.
My reason for coaching then changed. It became about perfecting my craft, about helping the most talent children in the country progress through their journey.
One thing has stayed consistent, by ambition for excellence my hungry to learn.
And that is why I am here now, sharing my experiences, teaching again so selfishly i can continue to learn.
My reason for coaching now:
To help coaches coach better
To help parents understand their role
To help players enjoy their journey and reach their maximum potential.
It has taken time to reflect but your purpose for coaching will continue to evolve as you evolve.
Lean in to the transformation, when you come to a cross roads
Take the decision that scares you most, as that will be the decision that helps you grow the most.
One Action
Be honest with yourself:
Why do you coach?
There’s no shame in ambition. But if your purpose stops at personal gain, your impact will too.
This week, find one moment to remind a player even subtly that their journey matters more than your résumé.