Toby Elmore: A Journey of Passion, Leadership, and Life Lessons

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this edition of our newsletter, we delve into the fascinating journey of Toby Elmore, a seasoned soccer coach with a distinguished path from a passionate player to a revered coach. His story is a testament to dedication, adaptation, and learning through every phase of life and coaching. Join us as we explore the top 10 takeaways from Toby's narrative, highlighting not only his accomplishments but also the profound teachable moments he has experienced and shared.

• Early Passion Fuels Lifelong Pursuit: Toby’s love for soccer began in elementary school, setting the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the sport, both as a player and as a coach. This underscores the importance of nurturing early passions.

• Overcoming Obstacles Through Persistence: Despite not playing in college, Toby’s unwavering presence and dedication to the game underscore the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.

• Impact of First Coaching Experiences: Toby’s initial coaching roles taught him the significance of understanding the team's culture and the players' perspectives, reflecting the importance of adaptability and empathy in leadership.

• Learning from Missteps: Early coaching mistakes, such as the harsh training incident, taught Toby valuable lessons about coaching strategies and player welfare.

• Importance of Culture in Team Building: Throughout his career, Toby discovered that establishing a culture of growth is crucial for a team’s development, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive environment for success.

• Embracing a Multi-Sport Perspective for Coaching Growth: Drawing inspiration from other sports like basketball and squash showed Toby the universality of strategic thinking and movement, emphasizing the benefits of a cross-disciplinary approach in coaching.

• Value of Informal Time with Team: Hosting gatherings at his home strengthened team bonds, showcased the importance of building relationships outside the competitive environment, and contributed significantly to team chemistry and motivation.

• Leveraging Student Leadership: Toby’s emphasis on using team captains as role models for work ethic and team norms illustrates the power of peer influence and leadership in shaping team dynamics.

• Changing Mindsets Towards Teaching and Coaching: Toby’s reflections on analytical writing and coaching tactics signify the evolution of his teaching and coaching methodologies, emphasizing autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

• Kindness in Leadership: Toby’s experience with the accreditation visit reinforces the significance of leading with kindness, even when delivering difficult messages, underscoring the impact of empathy and generosity in leadership.

Toby Elmore's story is not just about soccer; it's a narrative rich with lessons on determination, adaptability, team culture, and leadership. His journey from a dedicated player to a compassionate coach and educator offers valuable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders across all fields looking to enhance their approach and impact. As we reflect on Toby's experiences, we're reminded of the universal truths that passion, resilience, and kindness can lead to meaningful success and fulfillment.

Listen to his episode here

Watch his episode here: You Tube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.

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