STOP! Ever wondered if you’re truly cut out to be a coach?

Or if anyone can master the art of coaching in life, business, or sport?

Let me reveal my brutally honest take.

Is Coaching For Everyone? My Behind-the-Scenes Truth After 9 Years in the Field

Hey, Runpreneur family! If you’re chasing personal growth, building teams, or shaping young minds on the pitch, today’s blog post will hit home. I’m Kevin Brittain, and as I log another day in my relentless Runpreneur Challenge—gunning beyond 4,292 days, an audacious 40,075km, and a £1,000,000 fundraising target for children’s causes—I want to talk about the real face of coaching.

The Hard Truth: Coaching Isn’t For Everyone

Whether you’re leading an under-10s football team, mentoring business execs, or inspiring kids to dream big, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Am I really suited for this?” My answer, after nearly a decade of hands-on experience, is simple: no, coaching isn’t for everyone.

And here’s why...

The Emotional Balancing Act

I’ll be totally candid—I wrestle with my competitive edge every time I step onto the football pitch, especially when my own son’s playing! The urge to win sometimes overshadows what matters most: the kids’ joy, learning, and morality. Coaching as a parent blurs boundaries, making it even tougher to get the balance right between constructive feedback and encouragement.

ADHD & Coaching: My Personal Struggle

As someone with ADHD, I get a burst of unique strengths but also face glaring weaknesses. I’m highly competitive—sometimes too competitive—and it affects my coaching. There are moments I can’t change how fired up I feel, and I find myself teetering on the edge of being too harsh. It’s a constant battle of self-reflection and restraint.

Children vs. Adults: A Different Game

I’ve noticed I coach adults with far more confidence and impact. Adults can take direct feedback, process it, and grow. But with children, it’s about nurturing, shaping character, and ensuring everyone leaves with their dignity and happiness intact. Achieving that fine balance? It’s tougher than it looks.

My Best Role? Officiating

Strangely, I shine most when I’m officiating—refereeing matches or running the line. With a clear, impartial task and the focus on fairness, I’m at my best. Coaching? I’m proud to say I still have a lot to learn.

Are Great Coaches Born or Made?

Here’s my key takeaway:

Some people are simply suited to coaching. It’s about more than tactical prowess or technical advice—it’s a holistic package. The best coaches can:

• Read the room and know exactly when to lift spirits or dish out tough love.

• Turn feedback into motivation, never negativity.

• Keep sight of the bigger picture—fun, fairness, and long-term happiness—especially with kids.

If you’re struggling like me, you’re not alone. Self-critique is part of the journey. Together, we can keep learning and evolving!

⚡ Let’s Spark a Conversation ⚡

Are you a coach, parent, or mentor fighting for that magical balance? Drop your insights, struggles, and questions in the comments! I respond to every relevant message. Let’s lift each other and make coaching a force for good.

🚀 Help Me Run for Their Lives 🚀

Every day of this challenge is fuelled by my mission: to save children’s lives by running 40,075km and raising £1,000,000 for children’s causes. More eyes on this storey means more lives saved.

Subscribe, Share, Like & Comment—help me get in front of more people!

Stay positive, stay happy, and keep growing.

See you on the next run!

Your support = more children’s lives saved. Together, let’s go beyond 4,292 days and make history.