Hi All 

I have been coaching a side for roughly a year and its been a challenge, mostly with the mixed ability's, parents and my own expectations. i love it but im struggling to also find the balance of fair and firm and also probably my own expecations. the team as come along a lot but some due to different levels have not. this is where the balance comes in. ive been fair all season equal mins 99% of the time and this has worked some times but others not so much. we have lost close games due to me taking better lads off for lesser abilities, this is fine as its kids football however the lads who come off are getting annoyed and disheartened as they are winners and give there all and in most cases are seeing lads come on who arent as bothered dont put in as much effort and tend to hide from the ball or not run. i am worried the lads who put the effort it will look elsewhere. its the fair vs effort scenario. i am swaying to give more mins to anyone who at least gives me 100% effort i tell the boys effort is most important not skill and most get it. i know this wont be new but looking for advice on this. we have a good group all lads get on which is fantastic but i want to boys to progress also as most of the lads do too. we will be 9 a side next year and i will need a bigger squad too so i want to get the boys really firing this year. to finish im not hyper competitive i love coaching the boys and love seeing them grow i just dont want the group split that ive worked so gelling. maybe my expectations are part of the issue too.