After a string of poor results, team morale can take a hit. It happens. However, when the latest match report has been published, and managers sit down and reflect on the result, there are a number of ideas that coaches and even players themselves attempt to execute to boost the mood in camp.
Given the nature of Sunday league football, it’s inevitable you’ll have to deal with bumps in the road. Sure, some sides always seem to be competing at the top, but it’s a rarity. Players drop out of matches, a lack of equipment can hinder preparation, training sessions fail to get off the ground, and performances of certain individuals dip; otherwise, they’d be playing at a higher level. It’s all part and parcel of amateur football.
However, it’s important to stay positive, keep fighting, and build a harmonious changing room. In order to achieve this, there are numerous methods you can look to employ here, many of which have been working for decades. So, without further ado, below is a brief look at some tried and tested ways you can boost your football team’s morale this season and beyond.
Encourage open dialogue
First and foremost, the best way to confront your drop in form is to create a safe space for honest and open feedback. Not only could it help you uncover some potential solutions, but it brings people together by enabling everyone associated with the team to feel like they’re a part of the process. Alongside opening it up to the floor, you can hold one-on-one meetings with players, encourage friendly debates in the WhatsApp group, and set an example yourself by being positive in the most testing of scenarios.
Go on holiday together
In the real world, teams always go away together, especially during pre-season. As such, if you have enough in the budget to arrange a weekend away somewhere, then it could really help your players bond and get out of the rut they’re potentially stuck in. Whether it’s a camping trip in a remote location or a stay in a major European city, you’re almost guaranteed to have fun and plenty of laughs.
Switch off with some gaming-related fun
Gaming is extremely popular these days. As such, instead of leaving your players to select their Fantasy Premier League teams in silence and explore leading roulette games at DraftKings like Basketball Roulette, you can join forces and enjoy some group gaming. For example, you could host an EA Sports FC 26 tournament, take part in epic team battles in Fortnite, take each other on in Football Manager 26, work together to rumble the killer in Among Us, and so much more. Essentially, it’s a brilliant way to bring everyone together and have some fun in the virtual world.
Enjoy some extreme activities
If your gaming days are over, then it might be even better to get outdoors and enjoy some extreme activities. A wonderful way to bring the team together through an assault course or a hike, we’ve seen numerous England teams do something similar in the past, plus some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Other activities you could consider trying includes paintball, surfing, ropes course, capture the flag, kayaking, intense army training, and more.
Eat together
While this last suggestion might seem odd to some people, it’s a widely held view that food brings people together. As such, in victory and defeat, you should consider arranging a post-match feast. Additionally, you could even meet up pre-game for a big breakfast. Essentially, though, good food makes people happy and it’s another way for teammates to come together.
