The characteristics of children and the educational approach
As children grow up, they pass through different stages. Children have different needs and behaviours; they do not all develop in the same way. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the specific characteristics and priorities of each of the stages of childhood and adolescence, taking into account physical, physiological and psychological aspects. The coach-educator must realise that a young person is not a small adult.
The stages of a child’s growth and development must be taken into account in order to ensure the best possible approach. It is the coach-educator?’s responsibility to be aware of these essential points and to apply appropriate responses in individual cases. It is important to consider the physical development of each young player and to distinguish their actual age from their physical age.
Furthermore, some children start to play football later than age 6-8, which is when the majority of children start. That is why it is important for the coach-educator to respect the child’s level and have a positive approach to encourage learning.
A coach-educator supervises children playing football;
a coach-educator does not train footballers.