This article reprinted with permission from Terrence Ford, webmaster for the Manhattan Soccer Club

There are lots of signs that the parent-coach/trainer is no longer effective with the team. In general, it is better to use a non-parent to train the kids and eventually to coach the team. There are exceptions, of course, to every general rule of thumb. Hopefully, the guide below will help you and your parents make the right decision as to when the timing is right to seek hired help for the team.

When is it time to hire a trainer?

You are the coach and your child makes it impossible for you to teach the other players and is disruptive. Your soccer knowledge is rapidly becoming less than your team's knowledge of the game. Your soccer ability is rapidly becoming less than your players' ability. You watch your team play and you find that they are not "geling" and can't figure out why. You watch other teams play. They seem to have a system or a style and you find yourself clueless as to how they achieve this. You are always screaming at your players during the game. You feel frustrated that they can’t do what you tell them to do. After a loss, you carry it with you for days. You can’t understand why your child is not more upset.

What can a trainer bring to your team?

A trainer brings soccer knowledge of the game. Many trainers grew up on the game. This leads to a strategic game philosophy for your team. A trainer brings soccer skills to the table. He or she can train by example, not by talking. He or she knows the correct techniques. A trainer can correct technique errors early on. We all know the adage about ‘bad habits’ that are acquired at an early age in any sport. A trainer brings an impartial voice to a team. He or she is analyzing players by their ability and strengths, not by familiar ties and history. A trainer can be a role model for our kids. Many of our kids talk about how they have been inspired by our trainers to believe in themselves and their ability to continue soccer into their college years.

Who should we hire?

There are a lot of different trainers out there. They often come from different countries and were brought up with different styles of play. Some are recent college graduates. Some are more technical, others more creative in teaching skills. Some are natural leaders, others need parental supervision. Ask other teams, get references. If possible, have the trainer do a session. (Paid if necessary.) Ask [your club] for help. [It may have] contacts with most of the colleges in the area and can have coaches recommend trainers. Try to hire someone appropriate to your team. If you have a high school boys team, you will need a strong, disciplined trainer. If you have an Under 12 girls team, maybe a woman who is a recent college graduate will be best suited.

How much does a trainer cost?

The price of a trainer varies mostly by experience. A college soccer player ... costs as little as $50 for a two hour practice. The more experienced ones can cost up to $125 for the same two hour. If a trainer becomes a trainer/coach, a different deal is desirable. Maybe you will pay $100 per week for one practice and one game. As your relationship with the trainer/coach becomes more solid, you might even consider an arrangement for the season. You take 5 preseason practices, 2 practices and 1 game per week for a ten week season. Add in one 2 day tournament. Come up with a number and pay the trainer once or twice per month.

How often should a trainer work with the team?

Every deal you can imagine can be found in [clubs.]

The most important part of this equation is consistency. Try to find someone who can last the season. Obviously, someone who can commit to the whole year (Fall, Winter, Spring) is even better.

Does a trainer need to come to games?

It is suggested that the trainer come to games to see how the team plays in a competitive situation. Either gradually or quickly, the trainer may begin to coach the team at games. Again, ... refer to our opening statement, "In general, it is better to have a hired trainer/coach than a parent."

What's the difference between a trainer and a coach?

When hiring a trainer, the manager or coach should make it clear that they are only looking for a trainer to work with the team in a training capacity. Some trainers want to have a say in the coaching and are not satisfied otherwise. On the older teams, often the trainer becomes the coach as time goes on.

How long do you hire a trainer for?

Once you find someone you like try to make a deal with them for the entire season. Again, the longer they can commit to the team, the better off you are. Some teams make up a contract.

Okay, I am still confused. Exactly WHEN do you switch from a parent trainer/coach to a hired trainer/coach?

Okay, now we are getting to the most difficult question. And the answer is unfortunately vague. Trainers and coaches at the youngest ages need to be supportive and caring as well as good soccer people. If you have a parent who is great at this, use him or her. If you don’t, hire one.

It is never too young to get an outside trainer to begin to teach skills. Someone who can make a regular practice every week and not have to worry about work or other commitments is preferable for the kids. So, in general, skill trainers can start at U10 (you first full season in the Club).

As the kids get older, the conflict between the parent coach and their child begins to grow. This is normal. It’s called growing up. Here’s the real rub for those of us who think we can handle it. Being coach of your kid effects his or her ability to make friends on the team. No matter what the skill level of your child, you will never treat them as objectively as you treat everyone else. And, every kid knows this. Do you really want this for your kid? Who are you doing this for anyway? 

So, by Under 12, in general, it is best to have a hired Trainer and Coach for your team. There are exceptions to any general rule, of course. However, if you are still doing parent coaching at Under 14, trouble is brewing.

How do you [the Manhattan Soccer Club] pay a trainer?

The team places the trainers fee in the team account and advises the club treasurer how much and when to pay the trainer. There is a Trainer Agreement form available on [the] website. This must be filled out and mailed to the club treasurer before any trainer begins to work with your team.

What do you do if a trainer wants to be paid in cash and not through the club?

Find another trainer.

There are legal ramifications to not paying the trainer through the club and the sending out of 1099 forms. The Trainer’s Agreement referred to above makes it clear that the trainer/coach is NOT an employee of the club or the Team. If you pay the trainer/coach directly, you may be liable for workmen’s compensation claims in case of injury or failure to withhold payroll taxes or some other horrible legal problems.

Any other paperwork necessary?

Yes, in order to be in compliance with [CYSA]/USYS requirements, a Volunteer/Coach form must be completed and submitted to the club president before a trainer begins to work with your team. A trainer will not be paid and/or receive their coaching card without this form being received by the club president.