Coaches are the backbone of an athlete’s continual all round development, especially at grassroots. As ex-Chelsea now US Olympic team manager Emma Hayes puts it: “A great coach develops the whole person, not just the athlete – to help them grow both on and off the pitch.”
In the US, coaches are revered not just for their tactical acumen and ability to produce results, but for the holistic support they provide to their athletes. According to some of our top sports stars, coaches do the same here – but without the recognition. “My first coach taught me more than just football,” says Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and England. “He instilled in me the values of hard work, respect and perseverance. He was like a second father to me.” Bukayo was talking about the influential Greg Lincoln, Youth Coach at Arsenal and England
Mel knows that she has to look after the person inside the athlete
A coach’s responsibility extends far beyond the tactics board. They’re mentors who safeguard the mental health of their athletes, offering a stable and supportive environment. Team GB gold medallist Dina Asher-Smith says of her breakthrough coach John Blackie: “He focused not just on my physical training but also on building my confidence and mental strength.” The same can be said of coach Mel Marshall who guided Adam Peaty from young amateur swimmer to multiple Olympic medal-winner.
At the grassroots level, coaches are often the first significant adults away from home in an athlete’s sports journey. They instil the basic foundational skills and values, such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Their influence can be profound, shaping not only the athlete’s performance and success but also they nurture their character and outlook on life.
