Introduction
Your 2026 coaching goal shouldn’t be a trophy.
I know that sounds counterintuitive. We all want to win.
But if trophies are your primary measure, you’re missing what actually matters in youth football.
The Traditional Measures
What Most Clubs Track
- League position
- Goals scored
- Goals conceded
- Win/loss record
- Tournament results
The Problem
These metrics tell you who won.
They don’t tell you who developed.
A team can win a league while:
- Burning out players
- Prioritising the best at the expense of others
- Creating toxic pressure
- Making kids hate football
The trophy hides the damage.
What Actually Matters
Player Retention
How many players still love football in May?
This is the ultimate test.
If players are quitting, something’s wrong. No matter how many trophies you won.
If players are begging to come back next season, you’ve succeeded. Even if you finished bottom.
Confidence Growth
How many improved their confidence this season?
Not just skills. Confidence.
Do players believe in themselves more than they did in September?
Do they try things they were scared to attempt before?
Do they recover from mistakes instead of crumbling?
Development Over Results
Did players improve, regardless of scorelines?
Some of the best development happens in losing teams.
Players learn resilience. They face adversity. They discover character.
A player who grew during a difficult season is better off than one who coasted to a trophy.
Environment Quality
Did players enjoy training as much as matchday?
If players only love game day, something’s wrong with training.
The environment should be consistent.
Fun, challenging, supportive - whether it’s Tuesday training or Saturday match.
Inclusion
Did every player feel valued?
Not just the starters. Not just the most talented. Everyone.
The kid who struggles. The nervous one. The one who’s not as quick as the others.
Did they feel they belonged?
Setting Better Goals
Retention Target
“By the end of the season, every player who wants to return will do so.”
Notice: not every player will stay. Some move, change interests, or find other commitments.
But for those who want to continue, make sure you haven’t driven them away.
Confidence Indicators
“Every player will attempt something this season they wouldn’t have tried in September.”
Watch for the shy kid who finally shoots. The nervous defender who steps out. The quiet one who calls for the ball.
Development Tracking
“I’ll document three specific improvements for each player.”
Not vague “got better” statements.
Specific: “Sarah can now receive under pressure and turn. She couldn’t in October.”
Environment Check
“Players will rate training enjoyment at least as high as match enjoyment.”
Ask them. Actually ask. Their answers tell you everything.
Inclusion Audit
“Every player will have at least one meaningful moment this season.”
A goal. An assist. A great defensive play. A moment of leadership.
Something they’ll remember.
The Shift in Mindset
From External to Internal
Trophies are external validation.
Player development is internal growth.
External is nice. Internal is essential.
From Comparison to Progress
League position compares you to others.
Development measures progress against yourself.
You can’t control other teams. You can control growth.
From Short-Term to Long-Term
This season’s results are forgotten by next September.
This season’s impact on players’ relationship with football lasts decades.
Practical Implementation
Start Tracking
Create a simple document for each player:
- Where they started (September assessment)
- Key moments (notable growth points)
- Current level (regular updates)
- Season summary (May reflection)
Ask Questions
Regularly check in:
“Are you enjoying training?” “What do you want to improve?” “How can I help you more?”
Their answers guide your coaching.
Celebrate Differently
Stop only celebrating wins.
Celebrate:
- Brave attempts that didn’t work
- Improvement moments
- Character displays
- Team support
What you celebrate is what you value. Make sure players see that.
Conclusion
Your 2026 coaching goal shouldn’t be a trophy.
It should be:
- How many players still love football in May?
- How many improved their confidence?
- How many want to come back next season?
- How many feel they belong?
These are the metrics that matter.
Measure what matters.
Happy New Year, coaches. Make 2026 count.