How can I coach my players if training is cancelled?

While the safety of loved ones will always be the number one priority, the current global health crisis potentially poses a unique problem to soccer coaches - lack of access to their developing young players.

To ensure containment of the COVID-19 virus, public gatherings are being cancelled and banned around the world. Italy, one of the most-affected countries outside of China, has already seen top-flight soccer games played behind closed doors. It is not unfeasible to anticipate that many more gatherings such as soccer games and even training sessions could be banned altogether.

Players between the ages of 7-13 are at a crucial stage in their soccer education, and these formative years will determine whether or not they remain in love with the game and improve their ability. Missing a number of months’ coaching time could be very detrimental to their progress.

How can coaches overcome this?

If training and games are cancelled or postponed, coaches will have a challenge on their hands to keep their players engaged, learning, and using their time productively. How can they remotely set tasks to their teams and individuals to complete at home while under isolation?

TopTekkers is the app that allows coaches to give ‘homework’ challenges to players, for them to complete at home. Children log into their individual account, see a list of challenges set by their coaches, accompanied by simple video tutorials performed by age-appropriate players. Around two-thirds of the challenges can be completed alone, without the help of a partner.

Players are rewarded for their achievements in the challenges, with gold, silver, and bronze trophies given dependant on the success of their attempts. This ‘gamification’ element of the app is a proven encouragement for children of a generation that is more tech-savvy than ever.

How can coaches use the app?

Please see our tutorial video below:

Coaches and parents can log in to their own TopTekkers account to observe the progress of their children/players, making it the ideal platform for remote learning.

If coaches are to face a potential extended period of time without face-to-face contact with their players, they could ensure children keep engaged by setting challenges through TopTekkers.

See if TopTekkers could benefit your young players today for FREE at app.toptekkers.club