Many first time coaches volunteer or are volunteered for the job. First things first…Relax.  Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these little Under-6 and Under-8 soccer players.

  

Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players in training and in games.

  

How?

Team Management:

Prepare a list of simple and clear rules for your players and their parents. Conduct a preseason meeting to review these rules with both players and parents, go over other important information about the season, and to complete important administrative paperwork prior to the start of the sesason.

 

Risk Management:
Provide proper age appropriate activities at training sessions and games.
Assure that training and playing areas are safe.
Make sure that all players are wearing the correct equipment and that it is appropriately sized.
Make sure that you are assisted by another adult when coaching the players (This includes the time when players arrive and when they depart from training sessions and games).
Create a plan for any medical emergencies/injuries.

 

The Training Session - Under-6 Format
Duration is 45-60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual activities.
Warm-up activities include movement education approach…with and without a ball (10 minutes).
Fun games activities with and with out a ball (20 minutes).
Conclude with 3v3 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.

 

The Training Session - Under-8 Format
Duration is 60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual and partner activities.
Warm-up activities with and without the ball – dribbling and passing (15 minutes).

Maze games and target games (25 minutes).
Conclude with 4v4 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.