Empowering Coaches: Strategies for Supporting Youth from Struggling Homes in Athletics

By: Scott Garvis, CMAA

Provided By: NHSACA

As a coach, it's essential to support students who come from struggling homes. These kids may face various challenges, and coaches can play a vital role in providing them with a positive and supportive athletic experience. Here's a list of strategies to help coaches coach kids from such backgrounds:

1. Build Trust and Rapport: Coaches should invest time in building trust and positive relationships with each child. Make an effort to understand their backgrounds and unique circumstances.
2. Effective Communication: Ensure that coaches communicate clearly and listen attentively. Kids from struggling homes might have communication challenges, and coaches should be patient and empathetic.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Help coaches establish achievable goals for each child. These goals should be based on the child's abilities and circumstances, with a focus on improvement rather than winning.
4. Flexible Scheduling: Recognize that kids from struggling homes might have irregular schedules due to family commitments. Coaches should be flexible and accommodating when it comes to practice times and game schedules.
5. Financial Assistance: Work to provide scholarships or financial assistance for registration fees, equipment, and uniforms to ensure that all children have equal access to sports.
6. Provide Transportation: If possible, arrange transportation or carpooling options to help kids get to practices and games, especially if they lack reliable transportation.
7. Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs where experienced athletes or coaches can provide additional support and guidance to kids facing challenges at home.
8. Safe and Inclusive Environment: Create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all athletes. Encourage coaches to address bullying or discrimination promptly.
9. Counseling Resources: Partner with local counseling services or therapists who can provide support to children who may be dealing with emotional or psychological challenges.
10. Nutrition and Hydration: Educate coaches on the importance of proper nutrition and hydration, especially for children who may have limited access to healthy meals at home.
11. Educational Support: Encourage coaches to monitor and support the academic progress of the athletes. Offer tutoring or study sessions if needed.
12. Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. Coaches should focus on celebrating achievements, no matter how small.
13. Community Involvement: Engage the community in supporting these athletes. This can include local businesses providing sponsorships or volunteers helping with events and fundraisers.
14. Emphasize Character Development: Coaches should prioritize teaching values such as discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and resilience. These life skills can be especially beneficial for children facing adversity.
15. Regular Check-Ins: Coaches should regularly check in with the kids individually to understand their needs, challenges, and personal goals.
16. Family Engagement: Encourage coaches to involve parents or guardians as much as possible, considering the family's situation. This can help build a support network for the child.
17. Conflict Resolution Skills: Train coaches in conflict resolution techniques to help kids handle challenges both on and off the field.
18. Access to Resources: Provide coaches with information on local resources, such as food banks, housing assistance, and healthcare services, which may be useful for the athletes' families.

Remember that your role as a coach plays a significant role in the lives of young athletes, and by implementing these strategies, you can make a positive impact on the children coming from struggling homes. Additionally, coaches should remain empathetic, patient, and supportive, as they can be influential mentors and role models for these kids.