Coaches are seminal figures within sport, playing a key role in youths` development, particularly when their approach and practices suit the age and context in which they are coaching. However, little is known about coaches` experiences within early years (<6) sport. This case study examined coaches` experiences in early years sport, revealing challenges-faced and strategies drawn-upon for effective coaching. Semistructured interviews with 10 coaches (Mage = 37.8; 7 male) leading multisport, soccer, dance, rugby, hockey, and t-ball programming to children 2-5 years contributed insights. Key challenges included children`s resistance to participate and varied ability levels; however, these were mitigated by creative best practices focused on age-appropriate delivery (e.g., use of stories/imagination, "classroom" management). Notably, effective strategies were often offered by coaches from private and club-based programs, whereas community-based volunteer coaches received less age-specific training and resources and had more turnover. Broader societal-level challenges related to parental expectations and pressures were also discussed. Findings highlight early years sport as a unique context in which interpersonal and intrapersonal coaching knowledge appear most critical. Identified best practices may support early years sport coaches in their day-to-day roles while highlighting the importance of preparing all early years sport coaches to deliver effective age-appropriate programming.
© Copyright 2026 International Sport Coaching Journal. Human Kinetics. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.