Establishing a strong foundation for your team is crucial for a successful season.

Establishing Expectations

Setting clear expectations early on helps create a positive team culture. Discuss with your parent group how you intend to manage the team, covering aspects such as:

• Team Selection Philosophy: Clearly communicate your approach to team selection, whether you plan to ensure equal playing time for all players or use a different method on match days. Setting expectations with parents from the start helps avoid misunderstandings.

• Communication: Emphasise the importance of proactive communication from parents about their child's attendance at training sessions and matches. This helps you plan effectively, especially when aiming to ensure equal playing time for all players.

• Behaviour: Set standards for conduct both on and off the pitch, particularly regarding parent behaviour during games. Emphasise that parents should not coach from the sidelines and make it clear that youth football is focused on player development, not winning. Parents should avoid arguing with referees. Inform parents that their assistance may be needed for logistics, such as setting up or putting away pitches, and encourage them to be available to help. Remind parents that coaches are volunteers and their support is essential.

• Group Communication Guidelines: Set clear expectations for conduct in WhatsApp or Facebook groups. Ask parents to keep personal conversations private and use the group primarily for team-related updates. Encourage them to use private direct messages for any personal issues and inform them of the appropriate channels for these concerns.

By communicating these expectations upfront, you foster an environment where everyone understands their role and responsibilities.

Training Schedule

Organising a consistent training schedule is key to player development. Here's how to approach it:

• Assess Your Availability: Determine which days and times you can commit to coaching.

• Consult Parents: Based on the days that you are available, poll the parent group to find a day and time that suits the majority.

• Set a Regular Day: Establish a consistent weekly training day to build routine.

During the summer months, training typically takes place at Barton Clough playing field. In the winter, the club arranges indoor facilities to ensure training can continue regardless of weather conditions. While it's impossible to accommodate everyone's preferences, open communication helps parents decide if the schedule works for them and their family.

Training Equipment

The club will provide you with essential training equipment, including:

• Bibs

• Footballs

• Cones

• First Aid Kit

This equipment should last you all season and it's your responsibility to maintain this equipment. If any of this club-supplied equipment is damaged or goes missing during the season, it's your responsibility to replace it as needed.

Section 3 : Setting Up Your Team