So, you now know a little more about our Play Phase approach but there is one more VERY important feature. The adults supporting the children in this approach are not called coaches; instead they are called "Captains of Play". This may upset a few of you particularly if you have devoted years to getting qualified and developing your coaching skills and abilities and it is not to say that a "coach" would not be brilliant in this role. The use of the term "Captain of Play" is to reinforce the fact that Play is at the centre of this multi-sport, multi-activity approach and not the early specialisation into football.

 

Captains of Play will enjoy the company of young children, possess a positive and enthusiastic personality that can breathe life, excitement and enjoyment into the activities and games that are played. They will smile a lot and always be encouraging the children as they learn and develop. The "Captain" will also be very keen to listen to the children's ideas, be prepared to take a risk with a suggestion or an idea from the children and they will enjoy allowing the children more responsibility and a real voice in what happens during their time together. This is the essence of a "Captain of Play". If you, as a coach, possess these things (and many of you will) then you will make a great Captain as we aim to facilitate the different forms of play and bring the Play Framework to life.

 

Below is a brief summary of the qualities we are looking for in a Captain and we are hoping that this will attract a lot more people to support this approach. I know from experience that some parents are put off from becoming the "coach" of a group of children. Unfortunately, this can come with some negative connotations. However, if they have the right personality and qualities they may make a great Captain and then they can be part of giving our children the best possible start to being active and trying sport for the first time.