Introduction
“Without this community I wouldn’t have become the coach I am today.”
Coaching can feel solitary. Training your team. Making decisions. Carrying responsibility.
But development doesn’t happen in isolation.
The Solo Coach Problem
What Isolation Creates
Coaching alone means:
- Limited perspective
- Unchallenged assumptions
- Repeated mistakes
- Slower growth
- Frustration and burnout
The Echo Chamber
Without other voices:
- Your ideas go untested
- Your problems seem unique
- Your progress is unmeasured
- Your motivation fluctuates
Common Experience
“I thought I was the only one dealing with this.”
Most coaching challenges are shared. Isolation hides this.
What Community Provides
Perspective
Other coaches see things you miss:
- Different approaches to same problems
- Alternative viewpoints
- Fresh ideas
- Challenged assumptions
“I never thought of it that way” becomes common.
Validation
Knowing others face similar challenges:
- Your struggles are normal
- Your progress is meaningful
- Your efforts matter
- Your journey is shared
“I’m not alone in this” creates relief.
Accountability
When others know your goals:
- Commitment increases
- Follow-through improves
- Excuses decrease
- Progress accelerates
“They’ll ask how it went” creates motivation.
Resources
Shared knowledge multiplies quickly:
- Drills and sessions
- Documents and templates
- Ideas and approaches
- Experience and wisdom
“This worked for me, try it” saves years.
Support
When coaching gets hard:
- Others understand
- Advice is available
- Encouragement flows
- Burden is shared
“We’ve all been there” creates resilience.
Types of Coaching Community
Local Networks
Coaches in your area:
- Same context
- Easy to meet
- Shared fixtures
- Practical support
Limitations: Limited perspectives, often competitive.
Online Communities
Coaches across locations:
- Diverse perspectives
- Always available
- Wide resources
- Multiple approaches
Limitations: Lack physical presence, require active participation.
Formal Organisations
Coaching associations:
- Structured learning
- Official recognition
- Career pathways
- Professional development
Limitations: Often formal, sometimes expensive.
Mentorship Relationships
Individual connections:
- Deep learning
- Personal attention
- Specific guidance
- Trusted advice
Limitations: Depend on finding right mentor.
Peer Groups
Small coach cohorts:
- Close relationships
- Regular interaction
- Mutual development
- Shared accountability
Often the most impactful.
Building Community Connection
Start With Giving
Don’t enter communities asking.
Enter sharing:
- Your experiences
- Your questions
- Your thoughts
- Your resources
Generosity creates connection.
Engage Consistently
Occasional participation creates little.
Regular engagement builds relationships:
- Daily presence
- Weekly contributions
- Monthly deep involvement
- Yearly commitment
Ask Good Questions
“How do I make my players better?” - too vague
“How do you help U12s make faster decisions in the final third?” - useful
Specific questions get useful answers.
Share Your Struggles
Pretending perfection prevents connection.
Vulnerability creates:
- Relatability
- Trust
- Support
- Real conversations
Follow Through
When community helps, report back:
- What you tried
- What happened
- What you learned
- How it evolved
Closing loops builds relationships.
The Compound Effect
Year One
New connections. Initial resources. Beginning understanding.
Year Two
Deeper relationships. Known for something. Regular contribution.
Year Three
Trusted community member. Go-to person for specific topics. Strong network.
Beyond
“Without this community I wouldn’t have become the coach I am today.”
Community impact compounds over time.
Finding Your Community
What to Look For
- Active participation
- Quality discussions
- Helpful members
- Diverse perspectives
- Aligned values
What to Avoid
- Dead spaces
- Toxic environments
- All talk, no action
- Narrow thinking
- Competitive undermining
Where to Start
- Online coaching groups
- Local coach networks
- Coaching courses (stay connected after)
- Social media coaching spaces
- Dedicated coaching communities
Conclusion
Coaching development is not a solo sport.
The coaches who grow fastest:
- Engage with community
- Share openly
- Learn from others
- Contribute regularly
- Build relationships
“Without this community I wouldn’t have become the coach I am today.”
Find your community. Engage fully. Grow together.