One of the biggest issue's that i have found in childrens grassroots football from coaches, is trying to impress.

unfortunately not the players but the parents. I have found that some coaches will settle for accomadating 80% of parents and are happy to take the grumbles off the other 20%.

But the focus should always be on 100% happiness for the young people, i feel some coaches would rather see a unhappy child than an angry parent.

Just because a young person is quiet doesnt mean that that person does not deserve the right to grace the pitch any less than any other.

just because a parent will let things go, doesnt give the coach the right not to pick that young person over another young person.

If there is a young person that is very quiet does not mean they are any less passionate about playing football than the young person who speaks out all the time and shows their enthusasm.

Just because a coach knows the quiet player wont speak out when their not picked on a regular basis to start a match, certainly does not mean they are ok with the coaches decision to leave them out, all it does is drag that young person down even more.

Their confidence levels will drop dramatically, their self esteem will worsen and they WILL become withdrawn if we are not careful.

Is this worth it just so we dont bring on the wrath from a parent that has a child that starts as sub, when yes maybe they are the best player in the team.

Imagine the confidence it would give though to the quiet player if they have been picked ahead of the star player.

think if we put our star player on the bench all the time, they would soon be looking for another team.

As foundation level and youth development coaches, we must make the effort to include every child fairly throughout our coaching journey and their football journey