Folks,
One of our community coaches at 2013s is also a freelance football writer and has written an article on his time so far at HFC.
Please see below.
Coaching Hibernian Community Foundation’s 2013s 9-a-Side Team
At the heart of Hibernian Community Foundation’s mission is the commitment to nurturing young talent, fostering a sense of community, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through football. The 2013s 9-a-side team is a crucial part of this journey. This is a pivotal age group, where children aged 10-11 transition from smaller-sided formats to a more structured and competitive environment. Coaching this team is about more than just football skills; it’s about developing well-rounded individuals who thrive both on and off the pitch.
For many players, the step up to 9-a-side football can be daunting. It introduces new challenges, such as a larger pitch, more players, and more complex tactics. The game becomes faster, and decision-making becomes more critical. However, at the Hibernian Community Foundation, we see this as an exciting opportunity to enhance players’ skills and deepen their love for the game.
At this stage, we focus on the following key areas:
1. Technical Development: Players are encouraged to refine their core skills – dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control. While these fundamentals remain crucial, the 9-a-side format also allows for the introduction of more advanced techniques, such as positional play and combination passing. The aim is to help each player become comfortable and confident with the ball at their feet, regardless of their position on the field.
2. Tactical Understanding: In 9-a-side football, tactical awareness becomes much more significant. Players must start to understand their roles within the team structure, both in attacking and defensive situations. As coaches, we teach formations, positioning, and movement off the ball to ensure that players can read the game and make intelligent decisions.
3. Physical Development: As children grow, their physical abilities change. Coaching at this level includes promoting agility, coordination, and endurance, while ensuring that players learn how to take care of their bodies. A balance between fitness and skill is key, and we place great emphasis on injury prevention, stretching, and recovery.
4. Mental and Social Growth: Football is not just a physical sport – it’s also a mental game. Coaching the 2013s team involves teaching resilience, teamwork, and leadership. We create an environment where players feel supported and encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Additionally, this is a critical age for developing social skills, and the foundation emphasizes respect, communication, and camaraderie among teammates.
At Hibernian Community Foundation, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to coaching. Our goal is not simply to produce good footballers but to help develop confident, respectful, and socially responsible individuals. The 2013s team is coached in a way that promotes enjoyment of the game while instilling discipline, work ethic, and a growth mindset.
Winning is good, but it is not the sole focus. We prioritize long-term player development over short-term results, ensuring that every player, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to learn and improve. By creating a positive, inclusive environment, we encourage players to challenge themselves and reach their full potential.
The Hibernian Community Foundation also recognizes the role of football in bringing people together. Parents, families, and volunteers play a vital role in the success of the 2013s team. Regular communication between coaches and families helps ensure that everyone is aligned in supporting the players’ development. Community events, matches, and training sessions foster a sense of belonging and pride, both within the team and across the wider Hibernian community.
Through these efforts, we are not only developing talented footballers but also building a strong, supportive network that reflects the values of the Hibernian Community Foundation.
The 2013s 9-a-side teams represent the future of Hibernian football. As they continue to grow and develop, these young players are laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for the game. With the continued support of our dedicated coaches, volunteers, and families, we are confident that this group will go on to achieve great things – both on and off the field.
At the Hibernian Community Foundation, our work with the 2013s team is a testament to our belief in the power of football to inspire, educate, and unite. Through expert coaching, a focus on holistic development, and a strong sense of community, we are preparing these young players for a bright future.
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