As youth teams regroup after the summer break, many football clubs face a familiar task: welcoming children starting school and finding coaches to guide the youngest age groups. In many cases, those coaches are parents or other volunteers stepping into the role for the first time.
Supporting New Coaches with Comprehensive Training
To support newcomers on the touchline, the Danish Football Association is offering a four-hour course called DBU Træner – Fodboldens byggeklodser. This essential course is aimed at coaches aged 18 and over who work with U6–U8 players and focuses on practical tools that build confidence and provide a solid starting point.
The program prioritizes hands-on learning over traditional lectures. With guidance from a DBU trainer developer, participants move through classroom activities such as games and quizzes, then head onto the pitch for exercises based on situations they are likely to encounter in weekly training.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Communicating clearly with children
- Selecting activities suited to the U6–U8 age group and ability levels
- Shaping sessions that are safe, enjoyable, and well-organized
By the end of the course, participants are expected to be able to run a training station independently, tailored to the players’ age and stage of development. This hands-on approach ensures that new coaches gain the skills necessary to foster a positive and engaging environment for young players.
The course is available through open enrollment or can be arranged by individual clubs. For clubs, a group booking offers a way to give multiple new coaches a shared foundation before the new season gets underway after the summer. This initiative not only enhances the coaching quality but also builds a stronger community within the club, which is vital for nurturing future talents in football.