Introduction
On New Year’s Eve, I asked our community a simple question: “What is the best thing you have done for your coaching?”
The responses that came back told stories I was not expecting.
Not tales of tactical breakthroughs or drill discoveries. Stories about identity shifts, community connections, and moments when everything clicked into place.
Here are some of those stories.
The Coach Who Found A Framework
“Been working with the game model these past 3 weeks and our improvement has been noticeable from week to week.” — FCA Member
Many coaches describe the same pattern. Years of scrolling YouTube. Pinterest boards full of saved drills. Sessions cobbled together from random sources. Every Sunday night bringing stress rather than excitement.
The turning point comes when they discover systematic approaches to player development. Not more drills, but a framework for understanding how drills connect to bigger development goals.
“I came for the Game Model, but stayed for everything else.” — Ross Whitehead, FCA Member
Within weeks, sessions start having a thread connecting them. Players notice the difference before coaches do. “They started asking where we were going next week,” one coach told me. “They could see the progression I was building.”
The Coach Who Found Connection
“Have connected with a couple within this group as well as several on Twitter and via another coach that runs regular CPD events. All of this has made me a better coach.” — Steve Miles, FCA Member
Some coaches describe years of coaching completely alone. Questions but no one to ask. Mistakes with no one to point out what went wrong. Getting worse, not better, without even knowing it.
The turning point comes from joining a coaching community. Not for resources, though those help. For connection with other coaches on similar journeys.
“I have been reflecting a lot more since joining this community and I have definitely made positive changes to my coaching. I am having fun, and I hope the players are. I surveyed them and they appear to be.” — Stephen Kavanagh, FCA Member
The change is rarely immediate. It accumulates over months of conversations, shared reflections, and other coaches pointing out patterns you cannot see in yourself.
The Coach Who Found Identity
“It appears I very much have a coaching identity. A couple of weeks ago a supporter said ‘you can tell Steve coaches this lot’ because we dominated possession and territory.” — Steve Miles, FCA Member
Some coaches have their badges. They have done the courses. They think their learning is complete.
The turning point comes from a mindset shift that changes how they view their entire role. Not what they are teaching, but who they are becoming.
“It is not a quick process but it is worthwhile when you see what you practice begin to emerge on a game day. I believe that it is one of the most satisfying things ever.” — Steve Miles, FCA Member
The shift shows in players before it shows in sessions. Parents start commenting. Other coaches notice. Identity becomes visible through the players you develop.
The Coach Who Got Time Back
“The Football Coaching Academy has so much in-depth content for such a small monthly cost. The value for money is great. The amount of quality material you get is incredible.” — FCA Member
Some coaches spend hours searching for sessions. Every week, starting from scratch. Stress before training because they are not prepared.
The turning point comes from finding organised, quality resources that eliminate the searching.
“The game model is worth the price of admission alone.” — Brian Willis, FCA Member
That recovered time goes into reflection. Into relationships with players. Into enjoying coaching instead of dreading preparation.
The Coach Who Stopped Chasing Wins
“I had my heart set on promotion but I overestimated the level that I could get these boys to. Very humbling but it helped my approach to coaching them, learned the hard way to meet them where they are at instead of where I want them to be.” — Brian Willis, FCA Member
Some coaches are focused on winning games. Results determine their mood. Victories feel essential. Losses feel like failures.
The turning point comes from understanding that player development and match results are not the same thing.
The irony is that results often improve after coaches stop prioritising them. Players feel safer taking risks. Development accelerates because pressure decreases.
The Coach Who Kept Learning
“Gave this second viewing and my takeaways were 1) create an environment for players love of the game to thrive. 2) Meet the players where they are and start from there.” — Brian Willis, FCA Member
Some coaches have their qualification and think they are done. Learning complete. Time to coach.
The turning point comes from discovering that development never stops. That the badge was a starting point, not a destination.
“I have been through the game model stuff a few times now. How to Analyze a Match and the technique courses are next up on my list.” — Brian Willis, FCA Member
These coaches now approach coaching as continuous learning. Every session is research. Every match is data. Every conversation is an opportunity.
What Their Stories Have In Common
These coaches found different turning points. But their stories share common elements.
They all found quality over quantity. Not more resources, but better ones. Not more drills, but organised frameworks.
They all found community over isolation. Other coaches who understood their challenges. Perspectives beyond their own experience.
They all found mindset shifts over technique accumulation. Changes in how they think, not just what they know.
They all invested time. No shortcuts. Sustained effort. Patience for results.
Finding Your Turning Point
If you have not found yours yet, consider what is missing. Not what drills you need, but what approach would transform your experience. Not what information to accumulate, but what connections to make.
If you have found yours, share it. Your story helps others recognise their own potential turning points.
Every coach’s journey matters. Your struggles help others. Your discoveries guide others. Your progress inspires others.
The best thing you have done for your coaching might already be happening. Or it might be just ahead.
Happy New Year. May this year bring your best coaching yet.
Ready to find your turning point?
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