A German coach who started an American football program 5 years ago in Germany asked one of our team members for help.  He wanted to not only grow as a coach, his program and coaching staff but wanted to leave a lifetime impact on all of his players. 

 

Our team member was already mentoring this coach for two years and was then asked to come help him in Germany.  The team member moved to Germany to come alongside the coach to help develop his coach’s journey.  It is still the German coach’s team and all facets of the program are discussed privately.  Hopefully this new way of coaching for more than just wins will make an everlasting impact on not only the players, but the other coaches lives as well.  By striving to be a transformational coach, not just a transactional coach, the team will see the difference.  There are already many youths and two different teams (U-17 and U-19) that are impacted, but this could change the club and community as well.    

 

The coach’s journey has very little to do with X’s and O’s, but everything to do with the team and making a personal transformational statement be the filter for everything the coach does within the building of his program.  It is not just about the yearlong schedule including the pre/post and in season practices, but what is really being taught to the players.  Character development, overcoming obstacles, team building, and leadership are just a few of the topics that are discussed. Hopefully, with a spirit of learning and intentional planning the coach will be a positive influence with each player and assistant coach.