Youth Soccer, like all youth sports should be, first and foremost, fun.  The era of free play has given way to adult organized youth sports.  It is important to note that the environment of free play has produced many greats in the sports world.  Franz Beckenbauer, Johann Cruyff and Pele are among the legends of the game who emerged from the “street game”.  It is crucial for coaches to understand the elements of free play and player development that provide motivation for children to continue to play.

There are components to fun and a "love of the game".  Improvement of ability plays an important role in having fun.  The sense of “getting better” provides confidence and a feeling of competence.  Players who recognize that they are improving, receive a motivational boost that comes from within.  That intrinsic motivation is more significant than any extrinsic reward for long term development.  The self-knowledge of one’s accomplishments and ability to improve leads to a sense of being in control.  These are the building blocks that keep children playing longer.  The external issues such as outcome (wins and losses), trophies and medals play a minor role in long term athlete development.  Competition is a major issue, but it is both competition against self and others.

The role of the coach requires that he consider these driving forces when working with children.  Knowledge of the game is important, however knowledge of children is more important.  The coach’s challenge is to select and organize activities that will allow children to use creativity and make decisions in training.  Linked with the use of “guided discovery”, the coach can help to bring back some of the elements that exist in "free play" that many of us were fortunate to experience.