Photo Credit: Coach Gary Marks
Connection is one of the most crucial parts of youth sports. Whether it’s connections between players, with coaches, or with the sport itself, the way we build community can have a huge impact on young players’ enjoyment of and commitment to the game. In our expanding work with sports education, Girls Leadership has found that once coaches attend our trainings, they are able to do a great job doing just that! About 75% of the coaches said they now have the tools and skills necessary to help players navigate challenges. We’re excited to highlight some of the great work coaches are doing, and hope you’ll be inspired by their perspectives and programs.
Today we’re talking with Coach Gary Marks, Co-VP and Director of Coaching for Lakeland Junior Soccer Club. He’s always kept an eye toward economic equity, and now he’s working to reduce the specific barriers that girls and gender-expansive youth face when playing sports.
1. What inspires you to coach youth sports?
What first got me involved was my kids. I volunteered to coach recreation soccer when my daughter was four years old. This is now my 12th year coaching and I’ve expanded my involvement every year. I still volunteer to coach pre-K and kindergarten players in our rec program even though my own kids are well above that age now. I think it’s fun, but also really important that kids at that age have a good experience if they are going to keep playing. It’s also really important that they receive “proper” coaching. I cringe every time I see coaches with a group of 5-year-olds standing in line waiting to kick a ball. I also coach as a volunteer as I don’t think that youth sports should be dominated by a pay-to-play culture. It’s a billion dollar industry but it shouldn’t be so costly for players just interested in playing or getting started. Costs shouldn’t be a primary factor in the sports our kids choose to play. At my club I do everything I can to keep our costs low, but still provide a quality program.
2. What motivated you to take this program?
My daughters and their friends/teammates. I’ve coached many teams through the years, mostly with my daughters on them, but many without. I’ve had many players go to high school and play with success. I’ve also had many choose other sports at high school and others who just gave up on soccer altogether. This was tough as I spent 7 years coaching the players, but at high school they were afraid of the jump to a higher level, anxiety about “trying out” for the high school team, etc. My motivation is to do what I can within our club to successfully progress our players from our program into the high school program.
3. What are you hoping to get out of this program?
Any resources that help me build their confidence levels and reduce their anxiety about unfamiliar territory when progressing in the game.
4. What do you hope your athletes will get out of this program?
A great experience that raises their excitement level for playing. Something that they can look back on in a few years and credit for their success.
If you coach youth sports, sign up for our professional development workshops Belonging in Sports, which include lessons you can use right away. Also, check out our full collection of 26 Free Social-Emotional Check-ins.
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