A summary of the information below in checklist form:

The time period before the first game will be different than your focus after the first game.

Before the First Practice

First: Set the earliest possible first practice date

You will often be given a recommended window of time to start practices. Pick the earliest date you can reasonably manage.

The time between the first practice and the first game is usually short. In that window, you need to:

• Learn the kids’ names
• Get a sense of their skill levels
• Begin setting positions
• Teach basic rules (some players may be brand new)
• Establish some semblance of team play before the first match

For more information about specifics of what to teach before the first game please see What to Teach at Practice.

Even when you choose the earliest possible start date, there are often only four or five practices to accomplish all of this—and it never feels like enough. Starting early matters.

Second: Learn Your Age Group and League Rules Ahead of Time

Younger age groups often play with modified rules. Find out in advance:

• Whether heading is allowed
• Number of players on the field
• Goalkeeper rules (throws vs. punts)
• Build-out line rules, if applicable
• Slide tackle rules
• Substitution rules

Knowing this ahead of time prevents confusion and saves valuable practice time.

Third: Communicate with parents as soon as possible

Early communication sets expectations and makes the rest of the season smoother.

Important information to communicate to parents:

• Date of the first practice
• Days and times of recurring practices
• Practice location and field
• Who you are and your experience with soccer
• Date of the first game (even if the time is not yet known)
• Uniform requirements (where to buy—usually provided by the club)
• What kids need to bring to the first practice (proper-size ball, cleats, shin guards, water)
• Whether a team sponsor is needed
• The team roster
• How communication will happen (app, email, both)
• A request for help (see below)

For longer emails, a good format is to place key points at the top in a skimmable list, followed by details below. Parents appreciate having everything in one organized place.

Example:

Asking for Help

Soliciting assistant coaches and parent helpers is both the hardest and most important part of the job. The difference between coaching alone and coaching with reliable help is enormous—it affects what you can accomplish and how enjoyable the season is for both you and the kids.

Help is useful for:

• Running drills
• Keeping kids focused
• Small-group or breakout teaching
• Goalkeeper coaching
• Warm-ups at games
• Team parent duties (snack schedule, end-of-season events, etc.)

The more help you have, the more options open up:

• Multiple drills running at once
• Small-group or one-on-one instruction
• Extra attention for goalkeepers
• Better containment during practice
• Extra hands for injuries, meltdowns, or distractions
• Coverage if you’re sick or unavailable

Aim for a full-time assistant coach if possible. But even one reliable parent who shows up consistently can make a significant difference.

What if no one volunteers?

That’s tough—but not uncommon. Many coaches successfully run fun, educational seasons without formal help. Often, parents naturally linger at practice and are willing to pitch in informally once they feel comfortable. This site is designed to help you manage the season even if you’re coaching solo.

Essential Equipment

Soccer equipment can feel overwhelming. Start with the basics and add as needed.

Equipment to bring to practice:

• Cones
• Pinnies
• A few properly sized balls
• Water jug
• Ball pump
• Basic first aid kit (tissues, bandages, instant ice pack)

What kids should bring:

• Water
• Their own properly sized ball
• Shin guards
• Cleats

For more detail about what equipment is helpful, what you can skip, and assessing field conditions, see Equipment and Fields

Goals of the First Practices

Early practices are about information gathering and basic structure, not perfection.

Your goals should include:

• Learning players’ names and choosing a team name
• Taking inventory of:
  • Position preferences
  • Interest in goalkeeper
  • Years of experience
• Create situations to see where players fit
• Identify strong, average, and newer players
• Teach essential rules for your league and age group, and address knowledge gaps
  • Build-out line, goalie drop kicks
  • Hands are not allowed (except for the goalkeeper)
  • Soccer is a contact sport
  • Stay in your general position
  • Don’t take the ball from a teammate
• Enough scrimmage time that players feel some comfort playing together

For example, in many leagues U9 is the first year with goalkeepers and larger fields. That means throw-ins, goal kicks, and goalkeeper rules need to be introduced early.

For more information on practice design, see:

Practice structure, Drill Design, What to teach

A Note About Positions and Formations

Position placement is one of the most important logistical challenges early in the season. This is not permanent positioning—but players shouldn’t be completely lost on game day.

• U6–U8: No true positions. Typically 4v4, small fields, no score kept.
• U9–U10: 7v7 with a goalkeeper
• U11–U12: 9v9
• U13+: Full 11v11

As age increases, positional roles become more defined. Basic positional awareness begins around U9 and develops gradually.

While many organizations encourage positional rotation, there is often little guidance on how to implement it while still preparing players for games.

For a practical approach, see Position Selection and Rotation, and Game Day Lineup and Substitutions

What Not to Worry About at This Stage

• Advanced set plays
• Perfect team chemistry
• Inconsistent passing, dribbling, or positioning
• Players forgetting instructions during games
• The team not “jelling” yet

These things develop over time.

A Final Word About the First Game

The first game will likely feel chaotic. This is normal.

The first game is a milestone, not a report card. Your job isn’t to produce a polished performance—it’s to help kids learn, stay safe, and have fun. Cheer them on, take mental notes about what to work on, and then plan your next practice.