u/ImpossibleWay1032

I got pressured into being a volunteer coach this year and am struggling to get the group of u7 boys to listen. I have little soccer experience so went through the training and watch plenty of YouTube videos.

The session are chaotic and kids are running all over the field. I got the help of a pro coach last week and somewhat reassuring, he struggled too. I still noticed the following:
- he didn’t let anything slide but remained very calm throughout
- he tells them what to do, not what not to do. This doesn’t come naturally to me, especially when they start hitting each other.
- he gets them to sit down and listen, even if it takes a good 10 minutes before they are while I would rush it to get through the chaos

I have more golden retriever energy so kinda let the kids walk all over me. I see I might not be a strong fit for a coach but how do I make the most of it this season?

What are some practical tips you can give to someone who struggles with authority.

I recently see many people defending Messi on social media stating he’s on the spectrum (especially as it relates to Cucurella).

This made me consider the possibility and I will say that after watching his interview with Zidane on YouTube, I can surely see it. Not very high, but like level 1 who struggles with communication and social cues. To clarify, I am on the spectrum myself so no shades meant at all, on the contrary.

What’s the opinion of this community on the subject?

I don’t think we will see someone anywhere as strong as Messi in the current generation (and maybe a few more as it took 50 years to replace Pele), however I wonder who would be the closest to be his spiritual successor in the current generation, both for his ability to score but more so for his ability to be the playmaker.