Coaching Smart in the Sun: Keeping Children Safe & Smiling!
Hot weather doesn't mean we stop playing; it means we coach a little smarter!
Summer is here, bringing with it fantastic opportunities for outdoor sports and active fun! Here at 14 Sports Coaching, we are passionate about providing engaging and enjoyable sessions for children. And as coaches, ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our care is always our top priority, especially when the sun is shining brightly as it is at the moment!
Here are our essential tips for every 14 Sports Coaching session when the temperatures rise, ensuring our young players stay cool, comfortable, and ready to learn.
1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
This is non-negotiable for every session. Children can dehydrate surprisingly quickly when active in the heat.
Mandatory Water Breaks: Don't just offer – insist on regular water breaks! Schedule these every 15-20 minutes, even during seemingly low-intensity drills. Make it part of the routine.
Encourage Big Sips: Remind children to take proper drinks, not just sips. We'll have water available, but encourage them to bring their own labelled bottles too.
Coach as a Role Model: Coaches should visibly take water breaks themselves. It normalizes good hydration habits for the kids.
2. Seek and Utilise Shade, Always!
Planning for shade is key to reducing sun exposure during sessions.
Location, Location, Location: Where possible, we choose pitch areas or courts that offer natural shade from trees or buildings, especially during the sun's peak hours (typically 11 AM - 3 PM).
Hats & Sunscreen Reminders: Before the session, we'll gently remind parents (and children where appropriate) about the importance of applying high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen before arrival and bringing a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Adjust the Intensity: Fun Over Fast!
Hot weather is not the time for high-intensity, endurance-based drills. Our focus shifts to fun and skill development in manageable bursts.
Lower the Tempo: We'll adapt our session plans to include more stationary drills, less running, and more walking recovery.
Shorter Activity Bursts: Break down activities into shorter intervals with extended rest periods in between. This allows bodies to cool down.
4. Vigilant Monitoring: Listen to Their Bodies!
As coaches, we are continuously observing every child. Children might not always verbalise when they're feeling too hot or unwell.
Look for the Signs: We'll be on the lookout for excessive sweating, unusual paleness or clamminess, a very red or flushed face, irritability, unusual lethargy, or complaints of headaches or dizziness.
Immediate Action: If a child shows any signs of overheating, we will immediately stop their activity, move them to a cool, shaded area, offer sips of water, and notify parents/guardians.
Medical Attention: If symptoms persist or worsen, we are prepared to seek immediate medical attention. All coaches are trained in first aid.
5. Smart Kit Guidance for Parents!
While we don't control what children wear, we can offer guidance.
Light & Loose: We'll encourage parents to dress their children in light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable sports clothing (like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics). These allow air circulation and help sweat evaporate.
Avoid Dark Colours: A gentle reminder that dark colours absorb more heat can be helpful for parents preparing their child for a sunny session.
At 14 Sports Coaching, we believe in keeping our sessions fun, engaging, and above all, safe for every child, no matter the weather. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that every sunny day on the pitch is a positive and healthy experience for our young players.
We’re looking forward to welcoming more players to this Sunday’s session, and we will be taking all of the above into our sessions!
To book your place with us, click the link below:
https://www.14sportscoaching.co.uk/football-session