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Managing expectations as squad grows and stronger players come in

Stuart Gilham

I took over an u-11 team mid way through season 22/23, which was depleted by leavers at the end of that season (I think I had 5 players left).  After a successful recruitment drive we got the squad up to a healthy 17 players ( although a few weren't available regularly).  We've just finished mid table in season 23/24 (u-12s) however it was apparent that 5/6 of the players were carrying the rest of the squad.  Given the team ethic we've built we've had some new, stronger, players start training with us with a view to playing next season.  As things stand I can think of a pretty solid starting 11 and 3 substitutes but it will mean a few lads who have trained every week and been available  for matches this season won't get a game. I'm now thinking how to explain it to the children and their parents. 

As I understand a lot of the weaker teams we played this season are, for various reasons, planning on folding, so if we don't strengthen I can already see us getting beaten heavily each week and morale dropping to where was when I took over.  As such my message will be that we have to put out the strongest team possible each week and try and keep consistency in the team.  Everyone will be welcome to training each week but they need to understand they won't get a game just by turning up.  If they are not in our first choice XI then it is down to them to tell us who they should be ahead of in the team and prove at training how they're improving and why we should be picking them.  We have a few players who only play football at training and then in games, whereas I know two of the new lads head straight to the park after school every day for a couple of hours and just play football with their mates.  As you can imagine, natural ability aside, this creates two very different players. 

I would be interested to hear anyones thoughts on the above or if you've had to deal with similar. 

  • Hi Stuart, This depends on the philosophy of your club. Most grassroots clubs put development above winning. They have in place equal game time etc as nobody develops sitting on the bench or missing out all together if not selected. Every child is different as you highlight and they are on their own football journey. We as coaches need to adapt to their individual needs.

    I don’t know your context but I would suggest appealing with your committee, other club coaches and the parents to seek their feedback. Last but not least, your need to seek feedback from the players to fully understand their motivations for playing.
    You have clearly created a positive environment from a challenging situation in 22/23. Reflect on what you have delivered positively  for all the kids in that time across the 4 corners and the impact your potential changes could make. 

  • We give all players equal game time, even if this means losing a game. Imagine telling your weaker players "you can't play because you're not good enough". This isn't our clubs ethos and I don't think it's the FAs either.