CAN I BE CAPTAIN?
Dan writes: On a recent school visit, I met the author Declan Gane, who has written a wonderful book, full of top tips from sports stars all about the art of leadership in sport. I was so impressed, I asked Declan if he would kindly share some of those tips with readers of my website….
Introduction by Declan Gane
When I was coaching my son Louis’s team I used to hear, “Can I be captain?” after every skills focus session, just before we played a training match. Loads of kids always wanted to be in charge and skipper the team. Some were naturals, but others I used to see learning, so week by week they got better and better at inspiring and motivating their teammates.
I wrote ‘So You Want To Be Captain?’ to help Louis and all of the future captains out there. It is a great little handbook for wannabe sports stars, packed full of tips from some of the best captains in the world. I’m sure Jamie Johnson has a copy tucked away inside his kit bag…
As the football season gets going, here’s what ‘Match of the Day’ presenters and former Internationals Gary Lineker and Mark Lawrenson have to say:
Gary Lineker OBE:
Always call ‘heads’ when you toss up!
Lead by example especially in terms of your behaviour.
Enjoy the game!
Mark Lawrenson:
You’ve obviously been chosen to be captain for various reasons – I’m guessing it will have to be for your playing ability and leadership qualities – so why change?
It’s important to keep up your consistency in playing performance, inspire your teammates and if you can, also help them along the way.
If you can do those three things you won’t go far wrong!
Declan Gane is the author of ‘So You Want To Be Captain?’
