Over the years of coaching, I’ve seen a recurring situation that continues to surprise me: players missing games out of frustration for not getting enough playtime. I get it—every athlete wants to be on the field, contributing to the team and proving their value. But here’s the truth: playtime is earned, not given, and when you miss a game, you might just miss the very opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
When I coached at Dakota County Technical College, this scenario played out time and time again. There were players who, yes, didn’t get much playtime early on. As coaches, we recognized this, and we planned to reward their hard work with a starting spot or more minutes in an upcoming game. But then, out of frustration from previous games, those very players decided not to show up. Maybe they wanted to “show us” by staying home, but in reality, they missed their chance. We couldn’t give them the opportunity we had planned because they didn’t show up to take it.
Be Ready for Your Moment
Here’s what players need to understand: opportunities come when you’re prepared and present. Maybe you only get 5 minutes in a game. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t get, focus on the moment in front of you. Ask yourself:
- Did I give everything I had in those 5 minutes?
- Did I make an impact?
- Was it good enough to earn more time in the future?
Because if you did, those 5 minutes can quickly turn into 15, then 30, then a starting spot. But if you don’t show up—whether that’s a practice, a game, or even just mentally—those opportunities slip through your fingers.
Playtime is Earned, Not Given
Every coach wants to reward hard work, effort, and dedication. If you’re not playing as much as you want, don’t let frustration get the better of you. Instead:
- Keep Showing Up: Be at every practice and game, ready to prove yourself.
- Keep Working Hard: Show your commitment in every drill, every sprint, and every game moment.
- Stay Positive: A great attitude will set you apart. Coaches notice players who stay ready, even when things don’t go their way.
You Never Know When Opportunity Will Knock
Soccer, like life, is full of unexpected moments. The teammate ahead of you might get injured, the coach might try a new formation, or you might suddenly be called on in a big game. If you’ve been showing up, working hard, and staying prepared, that moment can be yours. But if you’ve been sitting out—physically or mentally—you’ll never know what you could have achieved.
At the end of the day, coaches believe in effort, commitment, and readiness. We want to see players succeed and reach their full potential. But you need to meet us halfway. Don’t let frustration hold you back or cause you to miss opportunities that could change your game—and maybe even your life.
Show up, work hard, and be ready. Your moment is coming. Will you be there to take it?
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