Making Match Day Great

Match day is the week's highlight, but it’s about so much more than the final score.

As a coach, match day is your chance to apply training lessons, shape your players' development and create an enjoyable experience that will keep all your team wanting more.

But let’s be real, it’s not always smooth sailing. Emotions can run high, challenges can arise, and losing sight of the bigger picture is easy.

So, to help you, we’ve put together these essential tips to help you master the match day experience...

ONE: Focus on the process, not the outcome.
Every match day is part of a longer journey. Winning is great, but the real goal is player development - technically, tactically, socially, and psychologically. Stay focused on growth.

TWO: Stay disciplined and set an example.
Emotions can run high during matches, but your self-discipline sets the tone. Show players how to stay composed under pressure - it’s a powerful life lesson.

THREE: Use match day as a reflection of training.
The game is your team’s chance to apply what they’ve worked on all week. Let players experiment, learn, and grow, especially in youth football. Practice becomes meaningful when it’s put into action.

FOUR: Match day is part of the development journey.
Results come and go, but development is ongoing. Help your players grow as both athletes and individuals. Think long-term, beyond just this game or season.

FIVE: Reflect and improve.
Use match day as an opportunity for honest reflection - for players, coaches, and supporters. How can you improve the environment to help everyone thrive? Continuous learning is key.

SIX: Don’t tie your worth to results.
A defeat isn’t a reflection of your coaching. And remember, a win doesn’t mean you’re perfect, either. Stay grounded, learn from every experience, and keep moving forward.

SEVEN: Control the controllables.
You can’t control everything in a game but can control your preparation, mindset, and behaviour. Focus on what you can influence and let the rest go.

EIGHT: Don’t be a kid’s last coach.
Your behaviour on match day has a lasting impact. Create an environment where players fall in love with the game. Let their passion grow into a lifelong love for the game.

NINE: Celebrate the small wins.
A thumbs-up, a word of praise, or an acknowledgement of effort can mean the world to a young player. Be present and let them know you notice their progress.

TEN: Love what you do.
Your enthusiasm is contagious! When players see you loving the game, it inspires them to enjoy it too. Coaching is a privilege - embrace it wholeheartedly.

We hope these tips help you on your coaching journey and enable you to make match day great for your players!

Are you ready to continue learning and take your coaching to the next level?

Our 'Managing Match Day' online CPD course is one in our huge library of coaching courses and content on the MiMentor Coaching Platform.

This course has been developed to help you better manage your team's match day experience.

You will find helpful hints and tips to ensure you and your players are ready to enjoy the match day experience.

Click here to find out more and enrol today!

As a dedicated coach keen to develop your skills, you can subscribe to MiMentor and gain access to ALL our coaching CPD courses and content.

Sign up today for as little as £10 per month: Click here for details...

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