In this episode we hear from young coach Hayden Rowell, who shares what he’s learned in his first year and a half of coaching.

Hayden reflects on the early challenges of stepping into a leadership role, including building confidence, communicating clearly with players, and learning how different kids absorb information. He explains why visual teaching works better than whiteboard diagrams for younger teams, and how short games and varied activities help keep players engaged during training.

We also explore the importance of preparation — from planning structured training sessions to reviewing game footage to identify areas for improvement.

It’s an honest look at the learning curve of a new coach, and a reminder that coaching doesn’t just develop players — it also helps young coaches see and understand the game in a whole new way.