The Untied Shoe Chronicles: Life Lessons from Coaching U10 Girls

Picture this: It’s a typical Tuesday practice with my U10 girls’ team. These little athletes are absolutely adorable—but don’t let that fool you. They’ve got more sass than a reality TV show and enough energy to power a small city. I genuinely love coaching this age group because their personalities shine brighter than stadium lights.

But there’s one tiny problem that was driving me absolutely bonkers: nobody could tie their shoes.

I’m not exaggerating. Mid-drill, mid-explanation, mid-everything—there it was. A lone shoelace dragging across the field like a neon sign flashing “DISTRACTION!” It was like trying to have a serious conversation while someone’s phone keeps buzzing. Something had to give.

That’s when I knew we needed some ground rules. Not the scary, military-style kind, but simple, memorable guidelines that would help our practices run smoother and keep everyone safe (and properly shod).

Our U10 Team Rules That Actually Work:

1. One Voice at a Time
When someone’s talking, everyone else is listening. But here’s the twist—this goes both ways! These girls have a lot to say, and honestly, some of their insights are pure gold. Respect works in all directions.

2. Water Breaks Are Sacred
We can’t have 47 water breaks per practice (yes, I’ve counted). When it’s water time, it’s water time. Quick sip, quick chat, then back to business. Pro tip: “But I wasn’t thirsty before” is not an acceptable excuse for missing the group break!

3. Master the Art of Shoe Tying
This is where the magic happens, folks. Watching a player finally nail that perfect bow mid-season? Chef’s kiss. It’s empowering, practical, and saves everyone’s sanity. Plus, no more practice delays for footwear emergencies.

4. Bring Your Gear, Be a Star
Pinnies, shin guards, water bottles—if it’s on the list, it needs to make the trip. This isn’t just about being prepared; it’s about building responsibility and making sure we can actually run our drills without playing “equipment musical chairs.”

5. Keep It Real, Skip the Whispers
Drama belongs on Netflix, not on our field. If there’s something to say, we say it out loud where everyone can hear. Nine times out of ten, it’s a simple misunderstanding that gets cleared up in seconds.

6. Tears Happen—And That’s Okay
Sports are emotional! When the waterworks start, we take a quick walk to the sideline, collect ourselves, and come back when ready. No shame, no rush, just healthy emotional processing.

7. Lost Means Lost
I’m not running a lost and found service anymore. Forgot your water bottle? That’s a learning opportunity about responsibility. Trust me, they only forget once.

8. I’m a Coach, Not a Hair Stylist
Listen, I can teach a perfect free kick, but ask me to do a French braid? We’re all in trouble. I keep hair ties in my bag, but anything fancier than a basic ponytail is beyond my skill set (and my players know this!).

9. No Human Pyramids During Instruction
When we’re talking strategy, I need to see all faces. No hiding behind teammates, no double-stacking. Everyone gets front-row seats to the action.

These rules might seem simple, but they’ve transformed our practices from chaos to… well, organized chaos. And honestly? That’s exactly where the magic happens in youth sports.

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.