Summer Coaching Wrap-Up

This past Tuesday, I officially wrapped up my coaching with Summer FC for 2026. It was a fun summer, and I appreciate the opportunity to get out there and help the little ones learn a few soccer skills. We had quite a few thunderstorms this summer, resulting in cancelled or rescheduled sessions, but thankfully nothing was cancelled due to smoke or extreme heat.

I coached five different groups of players in Ottawa this summer. I coached U5s at the Greenboro, Alta Vista, and Urbandale locations. I also coached the U9s at both Alta Vista and Urbandale. Additionally, I helped out by coaching a group of U5s at the Greely location on one occasion. While the U5s were primarily playing small skills games, the U9s were able to play some small 3- or 4-aside scrimmages in addition to learning some basic skills. Not counting the players in Greely, I coached a total of 50 kids.

While the U5 groups accounted for the majority of players, the smaller group size for my U9 groups allowed me to focus more on teaching different skills and providing players with unique challenges. I had some players that started barely able to kick a ball, and they developed decent tackles & passing. A big game of keep-away, with all players shielding their own ball while trying to tackle everyone else, has become an entertaining challenge for both groups of U9s.

Because of the smaller size for my U9s, I decided to invite the players to attend both the Alta Vista & Urbandale locations in the last 2-weeks of play. This gave them the chance to play with (or against) some different players. As they faced different teams in their scrimmages, it was a great opportunity for growth. While I would love to have these U9 players back next summer, I hope most of them will be playing for a local club’s recreational league. They’re ready for something more than a basic skills program like Summer FC is designed to provide.

I’ve already expressed interest in returning next summer, however, I may also choose to work wherever my children end up. They’re just doing community centre soccer this fall/winter/spring, but I really want them playing matches next summer. While my eldest (11-yrs by next summer) is definitely grassroots/recreational level only, my youngest (8-yrs by next summer) may be on a more aggressive path. It will be interesting to see where we all end up.