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[quote=Anonymous]
Definitely evaluate your coach based on his equipment, if he has the nicest speed ladders and hurdles, fancy resistance bands and parachutes, at least 1k cones in a wide assortment of colors, 4 full team sets of matching pinnies, a big bag of match balls for training, a large magnetic tactics board, and a shiny official looking warmup suit then he must know what he's doing.  :lol:

While it would be awesome if we could look at a coach's bio and determine if they are a good coach for our child, the reality is it doesn't work that way. The things that make a coach a good coach do not show up on a resume. Playing experience can help with teaching technique, coaching licenses can help but are no guarantee and if they're crap licenses which lay down stupid blanket rules like "all rondos are bad because they aren't directional" then those licenses can actually be harmful. If you want to know if a coach is a fit you have to watch them work. Go watch them at games and see how they interact with their players. Watch the players and see how they play. Watch the training and observe how they teach. You can't tell anything from a tryout, half the large clubs around here the coaches don't even run their own tryouts.

Seriously, look for coaches which (not in order): 
 - know how to teach both technique and concepts
 - relate well with their age group
 - value all of their players no matter their ability level
 - focus on individual player goals over team goals
 - don't take one-size-fits-all approach to motivation
 - give constructive criticism (timely and specific)
 - help players solve problems on their own
 - develop rapport with each individual player

Some signs that coaches are in over their head
 - excessive yelling
 - a bunch of confused players
 - players which repeatedly make the same mistakes without correction
 - players afraid of making mistakes
 - players afraid of their coach
 - too much discipline/not enough discipline

Beyond that you need to know your child's needs. For example, if your child is one of those who is overflowing with self-confidence then maybe you can select a coach who values that but if your child is a little insecure and needs a coach who believes in them then you need to select a coach with a different style.

If your child is going to be in soccer long term, get certified as a referee and get out there with the coaches at the weekend. Before long you'll be able to rate a coach before the game even starts.
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