Introduction
“I am having fun, and I hope the players are - I surveyed them and they appear to be.”
Most coaches assume they know what players think. Smart coaches ask.
Why Surveying Matters
Assumptions Are Often Wrong
What you think they enjoy might bore them. What you think frustrates them might not matter.
Direct feedback beats assumptions every time.
Players Feel Heard
Asking for opinions shows you value them. Even if you cannot implement every suggestion, asking changes the dynamic.
Early Warning System
Problems emerge before they become crises. A player considering quitting might mention frustration in a survey long before the conversation with parents.
How to Survey Young Players
Age-Appropriate Methods
Under 10s
- Verbal questions in small groups
- Simple scales (thumbs up/middle/down)
- “What makes you smile at training?”
- Drawing responses
10-13s
- Short written surveys (5 questions max)
- 1-5 or 1-10 scales
- One or two open questions
- Anonymous if possible
14+
- More detailed written surveys
- Google Forms or similar
- Fully anonymous
- Open space for extended feedback
Questions That Work
Enjoyment
- “How much do you enjoy training?” (1-10)
- “What is your favourite part of sessions?”
- “What is your least favourite part?”
Development
- “Do you feel you are improving?” (1-10)
- “What skill would you most like to improve?”
- “What do you feel you have got better at this season?”
Environment
- “Do you feel part of the team?” (1-10)
- “Do you feel you can make mistakes without worry?”
- “Is there anything that makes you not want to come?”
Coaching
- “Do you understand what the coach asks you to do?”
- “Do you get enough feedback?”
- “What could the coach do differently?”
Frequency
Minimum: Start and end of season Better: Every 8-10 weeks Ideal: Monthly quick pulse checks plus detailed seasonal surveys
What to Do With Responses
Look for Patterns
Individual complaints might be one-offs. Multiple players saying the same thing? That is a signal.
Resist Defensiveness
Their perception IS their reality. Do not argue with how they feel. Seek to understand.
Act on Something
You cannot change everything. But implement at least one visible change based on feedback.
Then tell them: “You said X, so we are doing Y.”
This shows feedback matters.
Close the Loop
Share (age-appropriate) summary:
- “Most of you enjoy the games at the end - we will make sure we always have time for those”
- “Some of you want more shooting practice - we will add more next month”
Players who see their feedback implemented will give better feedback next time.
Common Fears
“What if they say negative things?”
Good. That is the point. You want to know before it becomes dropout.
“What if they criticise me personally?”
Separate yourself from your coaching. Criticism of methods is not criticism of you as a person.
“What if I cannot change what they want?”
Explain why. “You would like longer games but we only have the pitch for 90 minutes. Here is what we can do instead…”
Conclusion
“I surveyed them and they appear to be having fun.”
That one sentence shows a coach who:
- Cares about player experience
- Values direct feedback
- Bases decisions on evidence, not assumptions
Be that coach. Ask. Listen. Respond.
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