'Clubbing Together, supporting creativity at grassroots'.

In the search for creativity, whether this is in players, in teams or coaches we often do what we have always done and then hope, sometimes in vain, for something different. For example, clubs are called clubs for a reason you are a collective, you have a common purpose. Some ideas later but first...

Creativity, a state of mind? - 'The use of imagination or original ideas to create something'

Being Creative is as much about attitude and self-confidence as about talent. Creativity by its very nature is often less ordered, structured and less predictable. Therefore, with young players a good tip is to try setting a culture where questions and the answers are openly encouraged. This will start their creativity journey far better than just ‘Telling’ & expecting. It may be a good idea to share these thoughts with other coaches, 'spread the culture'.

Q; As in, is there more than one answer to a given situation?

Example - If the players think yes to the above question & they are free to let you know their answers, you are likely to come up with lots of suggestions. Of course, many suggestions may not be 'right' but that’s OK. Encouraging this type of thinking will open the doors to more creative thinking & problem solving if handled correctly. Guiding them to the correct solutions & offering relevant praise is a far better development road than just giving them the answers all the time.

‘I want some’
Everybody wants creative players. From the Grassroots coach on the muddy touchline in January to the prime-time TV pundit waxing lyrical about how we need creative players to ‘spark up’ the game. Creative players are the ones who light up our game, and deliver the key moments we remember across the stages from the under 8 stage to the World Cup. There have been movement over recent years towards tackling this subject, understanding it, developing it, or more importantly I feel, enhancing. Long may it continue.

‘Right, if you behave in the next bit we can have a game’.

Was a statement I heard recently during an under 11 training session. The children arrived and were admonished for touching the balls; their instruction was to jog slowly from one side of the pitch to the other. By the time the 8th player arrived the first two who arrived first bubbly and enthusiastic were walking slowly, red faced and very despondent. The complete opposite demeanour I would suggest we need in developing inquisitive, creative young people. The coach then questioned their attitude.

Developing a culture of learning and inquisitiveness across the club may help, what do other coaches do with their teams? have you looked across at their warm up and thought, I like that, but have been too proud to ask? share... you are in the same club, a safe environment, it’s about the players right?

‘That looks messi/y’!
Creative players do things ‘differently’, the very essence of creativity. At the centre of creativity is the opportunity to experiment, try, and learn. Practice environments therefore need to offer the opportunity for this to happen. The game itself is random and being able to ‘react in the random’ will enhance the opportunity for young players to be creative.

Make a start, how can a collection of club coaches be creative?
Open discussion can 'create the creative'.

Many clubs hold club meetings or coaches’ meetings but often on the agenda are the likes of fees, club events, 5 a side, fines etc... in the search for being creative, be creative with your time: Can your coaches who look after the 8 - 12's for example get together, share ideas, practices, what worked well when we were under 8's and transferred into under 9's? I'm not sure what to expect at 9v9? set time to discuss with a coach at your club who has experienced this. Network, collaborate & learn.

'Tips n’ tricks'
Create a culture & ethos that rewards ‘trying’ and that those mistakes are part of the learning. Build a coaching philosophy/DNA across the team/club which values an approach to creativity and a sense of ‘belonging’. If I feel included, safe, I am more likely to experiment.
This starts with the club and coaches; If I'm willing to learn, watch and ask, then maybe the players will?

What do you Want?
To enjoy your coaching journey? to share your successes, develop your players, relate to the parents and share a common goal? then, think of how you can create a positive environment with other coaches at the club. add to your library and lend to others....

Give it a try, SHARE, be creative.