1. Register your team
Ensure all mandatory/critical player info is submitted ahead of time to avoid any last-minute fire drills.
2. Submit jersey numbers and sizes
Ensure kids get the right size and the number they want
3. Team app set up
Link all parents on a platform for easy communication, updates on schedule, etc. Below are some options but you may want to ask your parents what they prefer. Many parents don't fully set up their accounts, so the more information you can fill in for each family, the better – will save you time later.
4. Identify practice field
Do you need a back-up plan in case of bad weather? We found an indoor soccer training center for practice when the weather was too bad to practice outside.
5. Order gear
Check out this budget I put together before last season. You certainly don't need everything, and maybe this is something you can have a team parent handle, but thought everyone could benefit from an exhaustive list.
Finally, let’s start talking about real football.
Staff preparation
Align on goals, set expectations based on input, work, and learnings in Week 1.
One of the best things I did was organize a happy hour with the dads. We talked about each kid, and I was able to communicate my initial vision for the program and the season. This was also an opportunity to ask dads (or moms) if they’d like to help in any specific capacity. I walked away with:
Pretty good support staff to start the season! And it turned out I needed all the help I could get. 🙌