Soccer coaching via YouTube
Founder of SoccaKidz talks about his online soccer training programme to keep kids actively involved in training and development.
Even sport has not been spared by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the announcement of lockdown Level 5 in late March, all organised sport has been cancelled. What do you do? You improvise.
Anton Meerkotter, founder and technical director of Socca Kidz explained. “Sport events were stopped even before the schools were closed, and as soon as schools were forced to close and the South African Football Association (SAFA) requested training and matches to stop, we were forced to stop along with them. At first we waited for two weeks while monitoring the situation and preparing for possible solutions.
“During April we started offering live sessions three times a week via Zoom for the players of Socca Kidz who were able to attend them.
Since then we’ve taken another step, which is to load at least one new session per week onto a new YouTube channel for Socca Kidz so that those not able to attend the live sessions can at least apply the sessions/ drills on our YouTube channel. This channel is open to the public as well.
Explaining his online soccer-coaching style, Anton said they teach basic ball mastery, and give technique and fitness drills that can be applied with access to minimal equipment and space. These sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
“We try to make the sessions fun, short, but effective, with minimal, if any, assistance from the parents needed since we understand they need to work as well. We give demonstrations and guidance during the Zoom sessions, allowing players still to get the necessary guidance as far as possible.
Make no mistake, we miss real sessions, but this is as close as it can get for now.
“Participation in the sessions is increasing gradually but unfortunately, due to various reasons, many of our players are not able to attend the live sessions. That’s why we also have the YouTube videos/ sessions. We’ve even had new players enquiring about becoming part of these sessions.
“At least the online sessions give players an opportunity to receive guidance/ coaching and see other participating players, making it a bit more fun and enjoyable to keep on training.”
Before lockdown, Anton said Socca Kidz was in a positive position. Their programme was independent and was run without sponsors due to the membership fees they received from parents.
“We were also on a very positive growth trend, doubling in clientele year on year. We reinvested our finances into spreading to new venues and increasing sessions per venue. We had just over 120 players in the programme before the lockdown, and we were well on track to achieve our goals and vision of 4 000 players in the programme by 2024.”
Asked what it is like during lockdown, Anton said, “Firstly, it has given us an opportunity to learn about and explore new options and opportunities provided by platforms such as YouTube and Zoom.
“We had to learn fast though, since we had limited time to get our act together. At least we have a stable internet connection at two of our five coaches to enable them to offer live online sessions. Our other coaches are also part of our operational aspects, but we are limited as to what we can do. Fortunately, smartphones enable us to assist each other in one way or another. We are doing our best with limited resources to remain loyal to our clients, and keep the players active with professional guidance. We are struggling to cover our basic expenses and meet the essential needs of all our staff and company though.”
Anton’s motivational message to kids at home during these difficult times is to keep training, keep doing schoolwork, and accept as much as possible help and guidance provided by organisations such as Socca Kidz and most schools.
“Don’t give up hope. Keep your dreams alive by taking responsible actions during this time. Lastly, abide by the guidelines and regulations provided in order to stay safe. Times like these can only make you stronger in the long run if you also use the opportunities they provide. Remember that you’re not alone in this. Together we can all overcome this epidemic!”
