We have provided this guide to help you through the recreation season.  You will receive an email each week for the entire season from youthsoccer101.  The plans will come automatically--you do not have to register each week. 

The practice plan for the week includes drills along with some important tips.  If you have any questions regarding your coaching responsibilities with the club, please do not hesitate to contact the person in charge of your age group.   

1. Do you know who your main club contact is?
2. Are you properly certified? (if required by your club)Do you have a copy of the club recreation rules?
3. Do you have the contact information for your team?
4. Do you know when you will receive the uniforms?
5. Do you know when a field is available for practice?
6. Do you have your game schedule?

Post Parent Meeting   (10 minutes) 

Meet with your team parent regarding the communication with the team.  All communication should go through this parent.  It is important that you communicate with this parent regarding any changes to game schedules, practice times, important dates, etc. You and your coaches can now focus on coaching the players.  Meet with your assistant coaches and make sure they are registered to receive the practice plans as well.  They can register HERE.    

 Contacting your team:

Now that you have received your team and contact information, it is time to “get the ball rolling”.  This could be your first coaching experience at the youth level so we will start with the basics. 

Your first contact to the players on your team, should be by phone until you can confirm the emails.  Give them the date you want to get the team together for their first practice and tell the parent that you will have a short parents meeting after the first practice.  At least one parent must be present at the meeting. You may be asked different questions regarding the season but let them know that you will go over everything at the meeting.  This will allow you to get the calls done quickly.  See a sample phone script on the next page.

Sample phone script

"Hello Mrs. Jones my name is Joe Soccer from United Soccer Club.  I am calling to let yoiu know that your son.daughter is on the recreation team that I will be coaching.  We are going to have your first practice on Monday from 5:30-6:30 at World Cup Field.  Followed by a short parent meeting to go over a few things.  Please have your child there a few minutes prior to practice and make sure they have cleats, shin guards and a #3 soccer ball (check what your club requires).  I am sure you have a bunch of questions and I will answer them at the meeting on Monday.  Have a great day!”

Mark down on your roster if they are unable to make the first practice so you can make sure they get the information from the meeting.
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Parent Meeting           (10 minutes)Here is what you will need for the meeting:

· Copies of the  team roster with the coaches contact information.
· Important dates during the season (picture day, awards, etc.)
· Schedules and locations for practices and games.
· Player equipment required for practice and games.
· Discuss procedures for canceling games and practices.
· Discuss coaching philosophy at this age..player development.
· Ask the parents if they check their email regularly- this is the main form of communication.
· Ask for a team parent volunteer to handle communication with the team. 
· Any club requirements (field set-up, snack stand, etc.) 

We have put together a brief guide which organizes the above points.  You can fill in your team information to hand out or email to the parents.   FREE PARENT GUIDE
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Post Parent Meeting   (10 minutes) 

Meet with your team parent regarding the communication with the team.  All communication should go through this parent.  It is important that you communicate with this parent regarding any changes to game schedules, practice times, important dates, etc. You and your coaches can now focus on coaching the players.  Meet with your assistant coaches and make sure they are registered to receive the practice plans as well.  They can register HERE. 

   


Important points to recognize about ages 5 & under:

· It will be one of the first organized sports teams that these players will participate on and your goal is to make it as enjoyable as possible.
· At this age you have less then 1 minute to get your point across before you will lose their attention.
· Winning and losing is not a part of the formula.
· You should look forward to your time coaching and watching the players each week.
· Make sure you involve your assistant coaches.
· Drills at this age should  be called games.






Club Board of Directors:

Town clubs are usually run by volunteer parents who spend countless hours on and off the field to make sure there is a safe and fun environment for the kids.  Respect their efforts and if you have ideas for the club, consider joining the board. ___________________________________________________________________