Using Your Influence: More Than Just a Coach

Let’s be honest—as a coach, you have huge influence.

Players look up to you. They want to impress you. They value your opinion. Whether they show it openly or not, your words and actions carry weight—on and off the pitch. And that’s exactly why your role is about more than formations and fitness. It’s about how you shape the environment your players grow in.

Too often, players feel like they have to hide the parts of themselves that don’t fit the football mould. They might love music, fashion, business, gaming, content creation, or school subjects they’re genuinely passionate about. But they keep it quiet—because somewhere along the line, they got the message that talking about anything other than football could be seen as a lack of commitment.

And that’s where your influence becomes powerful.

You have the ability to flip that narrative. To create a culture where players feel safe and encouraged to talk about what excites them—whether it’s on the pitch or off it. Where they know that being curious, creative, or ambitious in other areas won’t get them dropped. It might actually get them praised.

This doesn’t mean you’re asking players to think less about football. It means helping them develop as people, not just performers. When players feel valued for who they are, not just what they do on matchday, they grow in confidence. They bring more to the team. They start building a future they feel ownership over—something that’s crucial, especially in a world where very few players make it to the top.

It starts with simple things: ask about their weekend plans. Celebrate school achievements. Mention that side project you heard them talk about. Show interest. It’s these small actions that send a big message: You are more than a footballer—and that’s a good thing.

When you use your influence in this way, it can be a game changer. It strengthens trust. It builds long-term respect. And most importantly, it sets your players up for success—regardless of where their football journey leads.

So yes, your job is to coach. But your impact goes far beyond tactics and technique.

You have the power to open doors, shift mindsets, and help players see that their future can be just as exciting off the pitch as it is on it.

Use your influence.

It matters more than you think.