Five ways to develop leaders beyond the captain

When we talk about leadership in football, we often think about a captain and the qualities we look for in the player who wears the armband. But good teams need far more than one leader.

 

This is particularly important when working with young female players in adult teams. A 17- or 18-year-old can have plenty to offer but still feel nervous about telling an experienced team-mate what she thinks, or giving guidance on the pitch. As coaches, we can create an environment where those voices are heard.

 

1. Stop making leadership about being loud

Leadership doesn’t have to mean shouting or being the most confident person in the changing room.

 

One player might organise the defensive line. Another might be the person who lifts everyone after conceding. Someone else might be brilliant at helping a younger team-mate settle in, or leading by example by turning up early, putting equipment away without being asked, or putting the effort in fitness-wise.

 

Point these things out. Tell players when you’ve noticed them showing leadership. It helps them recognise that they already have something valuable to contribute.

 

2. Give players small responsibilities

Don’t wait for someone to naturally step forward.

 

Ask different players to lead the warm-up, organise a small-sided game, demonstrate an exercise or give the team one coaching point at the end of a practice.

 

For younger players in particular, these small opportunities can make a huge difference. It’s much easier to build confidence gradually than suddenly telling someone, “Right, you’re leading the team today.”

 

3. Make it safe to speak up

A player won’t give an opinion if she thinks she’ll immediately be shut down.

 

When a young player suggests something, don’t automatically tell her whether she’s right or wrong. Ask her to explain her thinking. Even if you ultimately disagree, you’ve shown that her opinion is worth listening to.

 

This is particularly important for young women playing alongside older or more experienced players. They need to know that having less experience doesn’t mean their voice matters less.

 

4. Don’t always let the same players answer

It’s easy to ask a question and accept the first confident player who puts her hand up.

 

Instead, deliberately bring quieter players into conversations. Or give everyone 30 seconds to discuss an answer with a team-mate before asking for responses. That removes some of the pressure of having to come up with an answer on the spot.

 

5. Build leaders, not just captains

Give players opportunities to lead without needing an armband.

 

Challenge them to communicate more, support team-mates and take responsibility for solving problems on the pitch. You can even set leadership targets alongside technical and tactical goals.