
Keon’s Coaching Corner:
Every great player starts with a dream. Whether it’s making it to the pros, playing college football, or simply becoming the best they can be, dreams are what drive us to push beyond our limits. But a dream without a plan is just a wish. To turn dreams into reality, young players need to set goals and work diligently towards them. In this blog, we’ll explore how to inspire young athletes to dream big and provide 7 practical ways to create, set, and achieve goals — all through the lens of faith.
Why Dreams and Goals Matter
Dreams are the visions that spark passion in a young player’s heart, but goals are the steps that make those dreams attainable. The Bible tells us that God has plans for each of us, but it’s our responsibility to partner with His guidance and take intentional steps forward.
Biblical Principle: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
> God has a plan for every player, but achieving success means working hard, staying focused, and trusting in His timing.
7 Practical Ways to Create, Set, and Achieve Goals
1. Start with the Dream:
Every goal-setting journey starts with a dream. Encourage young players to think big and envision what they want to achieve in their sport. Whether it’s becoming a team captain, earning a scholarship, or playing professionally, their dream is the starting point.
Action: Write down the dream. A dream that’s written becomes a vision, something to work toward.
2. Set SMART Goals:
Help players set S.M.A.R.T. goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, if the dream is to improve speed, the goal could be “Run a 40-yard dash in under 5 seconds by the end of the season.” This gives them a clear target to work towards.
Action: Break down the dream into smaller, measurable goals that can be tracked.
3. Create a Game Plan:
Just like a coach creates a game plan for winning, players need a strategy for reaching their goals. This includes mapping out daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that will get them closer to their dreams.
Action: Create a daily routine that incorporates time for skill practice, conditioning, and mental preparation.
4. Work with Accountability:
Every great athlete has mentors, coaches, and teammates who help them stay accountable. Encourage young players to share their goals with trusted adults or teammates who can encourage them along the way.
Action: Set regular check-ins with a coach or parent to evaluate progress and adjust goals as needed.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection:
Achieving a big dream doesn’t happen overnight. Remind young athletes that it’s about making progress, not being perfect. Sometimes there will be setbacks, but every step forward — no matter how small — is progress.
Action: Celebrate small wins along the way. Each achievement is a sign that they’re moving closer to the ultimate goal.
6. Pray and Seek Guidance:
Encourage young players to turn to prayer and seek God’s guidance in their journey. Sometimes, the road will be difficult, but with faith and prayer, they can find strength and wisdom in how to move forward.
Action: Incorporate prayer into daily practice. Ask God for strength, focus, and perseverance in achieving goals.
7. Visualize Success:
Help young athletes practice visualization — imagining themselves reaching their goals. This mental preparation is powerful, helping them stay motivated and focused during hard times. The Bible encourages us to focus our minds on what is good and true.
Biblical Principle: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Action: Encourage players to take a few minutes each day to visualize themselves achieving their goals, feeling the success, and thanking God for His strength.
How Parents Can Help Players Achieve Their Goals
Parents play a critical role in helping their children dream big and stay committed to their goals. Here are a few ways parents can support their child’s journey:
- Encourage Open Conversations: Talk with your child about their dreams and what they want to achieve. Ask them how you can support them along the way, whether it’s helping with practice routines or simply being a source of encouragement.
- Help with Goal-Setting: Teach your child about setting realistic and achievable goals. Assist them in creating a timeline and tracking progress so they can see how far they’ve come.
- Provide Resources: Make sure your child has the tools they need to succeed, whether that’s access to training, proper equipment, or nutritional support.
- Stay Positive: Whether your child is winning games or going through tough times, your support means everything. Remind them that God’s grace is abundant, and success doesn’t always come quickly. The process is just as important as the outcome.
- Pray with Your Child: Share faith moments together and pray for guidance, strength, and perseverance as they pursue their goals.
A Final Thought
Dreams are what inspire us, and goals are what give us the steps to get there. As young athletes dream big and work towards their goals, remind them that with hard work, dedication, and faith, anything is possible.
Biblical Principle: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
When players set their hearts on God and trust in His plan, He will guide them on the right path toward success.
As we encourage young athletes to dream big and work hard, let’s remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. With God’s grace and guidance, they can reach their fullest potential—on the field and in life.
Coach Keon
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