What makes a good grassroots coach?

My name is Charlie and I am primary school teacher and a grassroots football coach. I am a FA level 2 coach and have worked in a variety of clubs and set ups. As a teacher, I would like to think that I have natural keenness to want to help others progress.

When my semi-pro/amateur football career was cut short due to a serious knee injury, I realised that the only way I wanted to stay in the game was through coaching. I have since worked in coaching youth players at county and national level, worked with professional clubs in their community work and most recently worked with coaching adults in a semi-pro setting.

I feel that through my experience as a player and as a coach has helped me to identify some of key traits of a good grassroots football coach.

Before we discuss what we expect from a good football coach, we need to first discuss how tough this job/hobby/vocation of coaching really is. Coaching is sometimes a thankless and frustrating task in what can sometimes feel like a no win situation.