What to look for in a coach, team, or club.
What is more important, the coach, the team, or the club?
When picking a team for your child, most parent's start by looking at the clubs. That is why most competitive soccer clubs advertise their past success in tournaments, championships, etc. Unfortunately, these past accomplishments do not always relate to how their current coach in your daughters age group will perform. In many cases, winning coaches stay with their teams as they progress through the years, and their is no guarantee that a current coach has the same (if any) coaching experience and ability.
Secondly, many parents decide on a team by looking at a current or past team at a club. Remember though, that a team from a different year or age group does not necessarily reflect on the team your child will be playing with.
Also, the success or record of a club, team, or coach is not the best indicator of how they can best serve your child (unless you are only interested in winning games, and not learning or improving skills, or enjoyment of the game). Development of skills is the most important factor for young players. Players (and coaches and parents) enjoy winning, but a winning team who does not improve their skills - will be a losing team next year.
In our opinion, the most important decision on where or for who to play is the coach. In all honesty, most soccer clubs provide the same product: Uniforms, Coaches, Fields. These items are all pretty much the same except for coaches and trainers. We believe that parents should talk to the coaches before making a decision to play for a team. Find out not only their past record, but their training, experience (Remember too, that experience as a player does not necessarily make one a good coach), and philosophy. The best coach for your daughter may be a coach who only won 1 game last season, but because of their ability to train and motivate, may win all of their games next year. Don't be afraid to talk to others, and ask their opinions about a coach. Parent's will ask for references for a babysitter who will be with their kids for a few hours, but are often unwilling, or afraid, to ask about a coach who will spend several hours a week training your children. Look for a coach who can relate to those in your daughter's age group, who has the knowledge and ability to continually improve skills, who can motivate the team, and who allows and encourages the team to enjoy themselves. A good coach makes players realize that they are there for a reason, and have to dedicate and apply themselves seriously in order to excel, but that players should have fun as they also work hard.
In conclusion, do not make hasty decisions when evaluating where and for whom your child plays, as it can affect their interest in the game and their ability, for several years.
Also see: Selecting a Coach - How to interview a prospective coach.