The Coach Makes The Difference: Develop Your Vision on Leadership, Talent, Motivation, and Selection

For a fun and educational time on the sports field for as many children and their coaches as possible! As a coach you can make a difference. You want your players to have fun and fully develop their talents. Whether you are a professional coach or a parent who unexpectedly finds yourself on the sidelines, you will do much better if you know what you want to achieve and how to go about it.

Mauro van de Looij, experienced youth coach at Dutch Premier League clubs, gives you practical experiences and scientific insights about motivation, selection, training and coaching in this book. He takes you through questions such as: How important is winning actually? What is your influence on the motivation of your players? How do you recognize talent? And what do you say during a match?

Never before has such a complete book been published that helps you to further flesh out your vision and style. As a trainer, coach and leader. Mauro challenges you to create a performance culture in which the person is number 1.

Mauro van de Looij is a sports and performance psychologist. He has worked as a youth coach at PSV Eindhoven and Willem II Tilburg, teaches Performance Psychology at Fontys University of Applied Psychology & HR and he coaches athletes, trainers, students and teachers. He also supports sports clubs, schools and companies in coaching and talent development.

'Beautiful insights for trainers, coaches and leaders in sport and beyond.'

Jacco Verhaeren, Olympic swimming coach and director

'Embark on a journey of coaching excellence with 'The Coach Makes The Difference'. A wealth of soccer best practices and insights, in the principles of autonomy, connection and competence all in clear language. This book is your roadmap to success.'

Mirelle van Rijbroek, Head of Football Utah Royals and former US Soccer Federation

'Thoroughly enjoyed this book, great principles and insights for anybody within leadership positions and influence. This book really reminded me on who I am and why I followed my passion. This ultimately created a foundation to serve players and make the difference in their lives.'

Ian Taylor, professional soccer coach

'The lessons and examples are so universal that this book is also very useful for coaches in other sports and the 17 million national coaches with a management job.'

Elly Stroo Cloek, Book Reviewer 1001 ManagementBook

'This book is a basic document for every youth coach.'

Toon Gerbrands, Former Olympic volleyball coach and general manager of PSV Eindhoven

'A book that clearly indicates that every trainer can play an important role in the development of youth football players. With expertise, an open mind and, above all, a love for the game.'

Foppe de Haan, former professional soccer coach of SC Heerenveen and Netherlands U21

'I wish every child a trainer who deals with his players as described in this book.'

Bastiaan Riemersma, assistant coach FC Eindhoven

'Mauro makes scientific insights practical in a fun way.'

Art Langeler, professional soccer and former Head of Soccer Development Dutch FA

My name is Mauro van de Looij, I was born in the 80's. Today, I am a proud father of two sons and together with my wife we're a happy family. My interests are many, but people, sports, traveling and music are probably the biggest ones. I love to learn, therefore I read lots of books and listen to a couple podcasts.During my study Psychology and in my work experiences so far it dawned on me I love to help people be at their best more often by sharing psychological insights with them. My ways: coaching, teaching and/or training. I believe in the Dutch saying: 'The youth has the future.' More specifically, my time as a young soccer player was fantastic and very educational. That's what I wish every child gets to experience on the sports field. I'd like to contribute to that. Therefore I wrote The Coach Makes The Difference. And chances are that's not my last book.