Great coaching helps kids reach their full potential

Coaches play a critical role in bringing the benefits of sport, movement and play to kids.  It is estimated that only 1 in 3 kids in Europe get the level of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The European Week of Sport has gathered a community of gamechangers committed to getting more people to raise their level of activity. Coaching is a critical facet of any effective solution.

During the European Week of Sport, the programme’s community partners across Europe will celebrate inspirational coaches who demonstrate best practice – such as building confidence and giving concise instructions – to deliver positive, fun experiences for all kids.  Programmes such as these can enable future generations reach their full potential.

Who can be a coach?

Anyone – a teacher, parent, friend, sibling – can easily discover coaching and use the power of sport to help unleash kids’ full potential.  

What makes a great coach?

Coaches get kids moving. They connect with kids, teaching them the fundamentals of movement and life. “Take everyone, no matter their skills, and make them better,” says Marion Ayral, P.E. Teacher and Volunteer Coach from Paris. Coaches also turn our worlds into playgrounds, create safe spaces to play and ensure kids have fun.

What are the benefits of good coaching?

The benefits of great coaching are simple: kids who move are the ones who move the world – in the classroom, in their communities and throughout their lives. Active kids have increased levels of concentration, better school attendance and a stronger sense of self. On average they score up to 40% higher in tests and are 15% more likely continue with their education after secondary school (Eurobarometer 2018).

The WHO’s action plan on physical activity emphasises the importance of sport for everyone. This is particularly important for girls and young women.. By the age of 14, girls tend to “drop out” of sport at twice the rate of boys. In contrast, girls who remain active have a better self-image, stronger coping skills and increased goal setting.
Every year, the European Week of Sport gets millions of people moving, participating in sport and increasing their physical activity.  Coaching is vital to achieving this. Great coaches act as an inspirational force, making a difference and shaping the next generations of Europeans.

Find out more about programmes such as Made to Play via the European Week of Sport website and participating countries’ community pages, follow the #BeActive and #MadeToPlay hashtags on social media.

Coaching kids - top tips

• “Talk from the heart. That’s how to inspire kids and push them to achieve their dreams - Mario Contreras, Nike Head Coach and Nike Community Ambassador, Barcelona
• “And remember, children are not ‘little adults.’ They need opportunities to have fun, explore and be competitive." - Innogen Fryer, Holmleigh Primary School Teacher and 2019 Active School Hero, London
• “Put kids in a situation where they can succeed and gain more confidence, but also teach them that it is okay to fail. Encourage them, and help them succeed, even if they don’t at first." - Marion Ayral, P.E. Teacher and Volunteer Coach, Paris
• “Teach kids that they must respect each other and take care of each other — this is a lesson related not only to the pitch, but to life." - Mohamed Zidan, Buntkiktgut Community Coach for Berlin Kickt
• “Great coaches teach kids to become not just a complete player but a more complete person.” - Dave van Vugt, Nike Maintenance Associate, ELC, Laakdal