Managing an Under 7's Football Team - Hints and Tips
Discussion
My youngest has been playing for a couple of years, and this year they've started playing matches. There's a chap who runs the team, but during matches he referees and asks another parent to organise the team on the day. It's not working. Invariably it's a different parent each week and no rules seem to be getting applied so we have 10-15 parents on the side of the pitch all screaming different instructions at the kids, plus whoever steps up to organise the team on the day gets complaints from parents that their little Jimmy played too long in goal. The most vocal parents seem to be the quietest ones when asked to volunteer.
My view is the parents need to keep their mouths shut, save for congratulations on good play, and there needs to be one coach on the side of the pitch giving instructions and making sure each player plays in each position for a similar amount of time. I'm reticent to volunteer as I've never played football and don't really follow it now, so am no expert. I have however played hockey to a reasonably high standard for 30 years, only retiring last year, so I have a good understanding of team play.
Am I mad to consider volunteering to organise the team every week?
My plan would be to set out a code of conduct for parents and also set out how I plan to run the team on match days. However, I suspect this may upset a few parents. I may also upset the guy currently organising the team, however, my plan would just be to volunteer to sort them out on match day, he can carry on with the logistics of organising the matches and training, which is what he seems to prefer.
Has anyone done this, got any hints and tips? I'm still not 100% I'll volunteer as I could do without the grief plus committing myself every week could be an issue, but I hate seeing the way the team is going and want the best for my son.
My view is the parents need to keep their mouths shut, save for congratulations on good play, and there needs to be one coach on the side of the pitch giving instructions and making sure each player plays in each position for a similar amount of time. I'm reticent to volunteer as I've never played football and don't really follow it now, so am no expert. I have however played hockey to a reasonably high standard for 30 years, only retiring last year, so I have a good understanding of team play.
Am I mad to consider volunteering to organise the team every week?
My plan would be to set out a code of conduct for parents and also set out how I plan to run the team on match days. However, I suspect this may upset a few parents. I may also upset the guy currently organising the team, however, my plan would just be to volunteer to sort them out on match day, he can carry on with the logistics of organising the matches and training, which is what he seems to prefer.
Has anyone done this, got any hints and tips? I'm still not 100% I'll volunteer as I could do without the grief plus committing myself every week could be an issue, but I hate seeing the way the team is going and want the best for my son.
First off, well done for even thinking about volunteering.
I've done this since our feeder group which was from about 5 or 6 years old and can be a touch frustrating at times but ultimately hugely rewarding as the team grows both in age and capability. When they actually progress from a bunch of ants all running in the same direction to actually stringing the passes together and winning some m matches, it's a great feeling.
First question for you, are you a 'stand alone' team or affiliated to a bigger club?
If the latter, pretty much all of the infrastructure will be in place. CRB checks (or equivalent), Safeguarding courses, first aid, coaching training etc. and of course the Code of Conduct you mention. One assumes they will also pay subs to the club for kit etc.?
If the former, it's not so bad. You have the chance to start things off as you mean to go along. When formulating the code of conduct, you can tailor this exactly as you please. Have something basic typeset & printed up and hand these to the parents.
Start with the mention of an 'Inclusion Policy'. This will state that no matter the skill levels, ALL kids will be given equal pitch time in various positions while they progress to say Under 8 or 9. By this time, you'll need a better structure as kids will fall into natural pitch positions & roles so nominating permanent goal keepers, defenders etc. will be easier. By this age, if you're still going, you'll be registered with a league who will then expect you to put out a properly organised team as you progress through 7 a side, up to 9 then to 11.
Keeping the parents informed of the long term plan helps towards reducing the short term grumbles as they know it's (for now) not permanent.
Include paragraphs that set out the behaviour expectations for both players & parents. State that vocal encouragement is welcomed but instruction will only come from the coaching staff. You can also look at setting out an 'exclusion zone' approximately 2 metres from the touchline. This can be explained away as a method of allowing the teams to play to the edge of the pitch, any assistants to properly monitor the touchline but does not alienate the parents or allow them to literally sit on the kids shoulders.
Here's an example from my club. http://www.kcafc.co.uk/code-of-conduct.html
You should state that any preferences in terms of selection are based on attendance. Little Jimmy can't turn up every few weeks or when it's sunny and expect to play up front. Set up a group email to all parents, keep them informed of upcoming training schedules and matches. Request confirmation of attendance by the Monday or Tuesday for an upcoming fixture on the Saturday. You can then plan in advance positions, tactics etc.
Having this structure in place will remove much of the ad hoc set up now and install a level of competency and stability within the club. It makes you look organised and re-enforces the fact that the team is now properly managed and the clubs rules are final. You could even have a section on the Code of Conduct for the parents to sign giving their consent.
Currently our U13 set up has a squad of 14 players, 1 head coach who takes care of admin and 2 regular parent coaches (me +1) who take all of the training and match day duties. The parents know we are fair, we lay out exactly what we expect, when we want it & how we want it done.
Doesn't happen overnight but it can settle down certainly over a season.
Best of luck.
I've done this since our feeder group which was from about 5 or 6 years old and can be a touch frustrating at times but ultimately hugely rewarding as the team grows both in age and capability. When they actually progress from a bunch of ants all running in the same direction to actually stringing the passes together and winning some m matches, it's a great feeling.
First question for you, are you a 'stand alone' team or affiliated to a bigger club?
If the latter, pretty much all of the infrastructure will be in place. CRB checks (or equivalent), Safeguarding courses, first aid, coaching training etc. and of course the Code of Conduct you mention. One assumes they will also pay subs to the club for kit etc.?
If the former, it's not so bad. You have the chance to start things off as you mean to go along. When formulating the code of conduct, you can tailor this exactly as you please. Have something basic typeset & printed up and hand these to the parents.
Start with the mention of an 'Inclusion Policy'. This will state that no matter the skill levels, ALL kids will be given equal pitch time in various positions while they progress to say Under 8 or 9. By this time, you'll need a better structure as kids will fall into natural pitch positions & roles so nominating permanent goal keepers, defenders etc. will be easier. By this age, if you're still going, you'll be registered with a league who will then expect you to put out a properly organised team as you progress through 7 a side, up to 9 then to 11.
Keeping the parents informed of the long term plan helps towards reducing the short term grumbles as they know it's (for now) not permanent.
Include paragraphs that set out the behaviour expectations for both players & parents. State that vocal encouragement is welcomed but instruction will only come from the coaching staff. You can also look at setting out an 'exclusion zone' approximately 2 metres from the touchline. This can be explained away as a method of allowing the teams to play to the edge of the pitch, any assistants to properly monitor the touchline but does not alienate the parents or allow them to literally sit on the kids shoulders.
Here's an example from my club. http://www.kcafc.co.uk/code-of-conduct.html
You should state that any preferences in terms of selection are based on attendance. Little Jimmy can't turn up every few weeks or when it's sunny and expect to play up front. Set up a group email to all parents, keep them informed of upcoming training schedules and matches. Request confirmation of attendance by the Monday or Tuesday for an upcoming fixture on the Saturday. You can then plan in advance positions, tactics etc.
Having this structure in place will remove much of the ad hoc set up now and install a level of competency and stability within the club. It makes you look organised and re-enforces the fact that the team is now properly managed and the clubs rules are final. You could even have a section on the Code of Conduct for the parents to sign giving their consent.
Currently our U13 set up has a squad of 14 players, 1 head coach who takes care of admin and 2 regular parent coaches (me +1) who take all of the training and match day duties. The parents know we are fair, we lay out exactly what we expect, when we want it & how we want it done.
Doesn't happen overnight but it can settle down certainly over a season.
Best of luck.
Firstly good luck.
Secondly. You might want to check with your club/FA about their safeguarding children policy? You will probably need to do a DBS, First Aid and Safeguarding Children Course.
In terms of dealing with parents. Have a look at the FA respect pages on their website. There is some good stuff on there.
Our club insist on all parents watching it and signing a code of conduct. Players and coaches sign ours too.
Most of the clubs in our league use whats called a respect barrier which is about 2 metres from the edge of the pitch to keep parents back. The only time there has not been on there were parents standing on the pitch. I had to constantly keep telling them to move.
Have you considered doing the refereeing instead of looking after the kids? It's fairly simple at under 7/8's
I'd echo everything said above, parents are what will make it a nightmare for you.
Always guarantee lots of game time for every child, that would be my advice. And even if it means compromising the team winning stick to it.
If it was up to me I'd make every parent stand well back and have them politely applaud good play from both sides under pain of death!
Always guarantee lots of game time for every child, that would be my advice. And even if it means compromising the team winning stick to it.
If it was up to me I'd make every parent stand well back and have them politely applaud good play from both sides under pain of death!
Cheers for all the really helpful advice.
Yes, the team is part of quite a large club, so training is run by a professional coach, but the running of the team and matchdays is down to parent volunteers.
I think the reason I'm upset is there's no structure to the team, the current guy has laid out no rules for the parents, so it's just a free for all on a Saturday. There are club and league rules on the website but all the parents ignore them, assuming any have actually read them. We do have a respect barrier, but that just means they shout louder.
It's further compounded by the fact my elder son play Under 9's for a different club where the rules are rigidly enforced and it works so much better. And this is one of the reasons I don't really want to commit - I'll effectively never be able to watch my elder son play.
Yes, the team is part of quite a large club, so training is run by a professional coach, but the running of the team and matchdays is down to parent volunteers.
I think the reason I'm upset is there's no structure to the team, the current guy has laid out no rules for the parents, so it's just a free for all on a Saturday. There are club and league rules on the website but all the parents ignore them, assuming any have actually read them. We do have a respect barrier, but that just means they shout louder.
It's further compounded by the fact my elder son play Under 9's for a different club where the rules are rigidly enforced and it works so much better. And this is one of the reasons I don't really want to commit - I'll effectively never be able to watch my elder son play.
JQ, well done for stepping up.
Secondly tell the parents to get a f
king grip. These are 6 year old kids....
Encouragement and enjoyment only. Expectation can come later.
There are presumably some fundamentals in place already like code of conduct etc. But I think the "manager/referee?!" has made a rod for his own back by having a different parent "run" the team on "matchdays" (whatever that means for 6 year olds). Loads of people shouting will ensue...
He should get a parent to referee and concentrate on the kids all getting the same number of minutes on pitch.
Re-enforce that parents should be there to encourage only and by that I MEAN BOTH TEAMS, not just the team their little cherub plays in.
By the way - I LOVE reffing the little ones, it's such a pleasure being on the pitch with them and encouraging them and seeing them smile/laugh when they make mistakes. The longer that continues the better. The parents will be the ones to remove that enjoyment from them.
Secondly tell the parents to get a f
king grip. These are 6 year old kids....Encouragement and enjoyment only. Expectation can come later.
There are presumably some fundamentals in place already like code of conduct etc. But I think the "manager/referee?!" has made a rod for his own back by having a different parent "run" the team on "matchdays" (whatever that means for 6 year olds). Loads of people shouting will ensue...
He should get a parent to referee and concentrate on the kids all getting the same number of minutes on pitch.
Re-enforce that parents should be there to encourage only and by that I MEAN BOTH TEAMS, not just the team their little cherub plays in.
By the way - I LOVE reffing the little ones, it's such a pleasure being on the pitch with them and encouraging them and seeing them smile/laugh when they make mistakes. The longer that continues the better. The parents will be the ones to remove that enjoyment from them.
Edited by anniesdad on Friday 4th November 12:50
Well done for putting yourself in the frame. Brave.
Football and football coaching, like driving and barbequing, is something everyone with testicles, and some without, considers themselves to be at least proficient in.
Yet almost nobody is actually very good at it.
If you can keep the parents quietly supportive (or completely absent!) you'll be three quarters of the way there!
Football and football coaching, like driving and barbequing, is something everyone with testicles, and some without, considers themselves to be at least proficient in.
Yet almost nobody is actually very good at it.
If you can keep the parents quietly supportive (or completely absent!) you'll be three quarters of the way there!
Get them listening and not arsing about, Good luck with that!
Get a couple of parents to help you, one does the barrier one does the nets etc,
Get them all involved get all their views and then they cant see their arse because they dont agree with yor way.
Then the big question is play to win or play so everyone plays
Personally, id get them all playing and enjoying it then when scores start being kept whatever age it is start to play the stronger ones a few minutes more.
Be transparent,
my lads old team had his son in net, and wouldn't change it, 26 nil was a regular occurrence, and he would play him the next game and even engineer the odd man of the match for him. it was quite incredibel really, he would pick faults in other kids game but never his own, but to be fair at the time we were greatful as my lad had to start somewhere
Get a couple of parents to help you, one does the barrier one does the nets etc,
Get them all involved get all their views and then they cant see their arse because they dont agree with yor way.
Then the big question is play to win or play so everyone plays
Personally, id get them all playing and enjoying it then when scores start being kept whatever age it is start to play the stronger ones a few minutes more.
Be transparent,
my lads old team had his son in net, and wouldn't change it, 26 nil was a regular occurrence, and he would play him the next game and even engineer the odd man of the match for him. it was quite incredibel really, he would pick faults in other kids game but never his own, but to be fair at the time we were greatful as my lad had to start somewhere
Get a referee. You, a friend, someone else's kid and let the Manager/Coach do his job. It must be a nightmare for him and I assume he is letting various parents take over at weekends because he wants someone to step forward. It is possible that he doesn't even want to run the team....
I've been involved in kids football for many years and currently run a team. You can only aspire to get good behaviour etc from parents and try and lead by example. Unfortunately the parents (on both sides) are human and are often 'passionate' /grumpy etc etc there will be difficult days and matches and they WILL let you and the team down. You just have to brush yourself down and crack on. You don't sound like you're overly keen on getting involved and therefore I would proceed with a little caution. If you do not think you have thick enough skin or think you might doubt your ability then I would perhaps avoid the job. You find out quite a lot about yourself as a coach and it is a never ending journey.
With my team I organise/manage and coach but I would never ref. I have parents who help pick up barriers and also assist me at coaching sessions. I put in more time and effort than all the other parents but that's what I knew I would be doing. Even so certain parents - after 5 years of training their kids - still think they can tell me how to run the team.
If it were easy everyone would do it.
I've been involved in kids football for many years and currently run a team. You can only aspire to get good behaviour etc from parents and try and lead by example. Unfortunately the parents (on both sides) are human and are often 'passionate' /grumpy etc etc there will be difficult days and matches and they WILL let you and the team down. You just have to brush yourself down and crack on. You don't sound like you're overly keen on getting involved and therefore I would proceed with a little caution. If you do not think you have thick enough skin or think you might doubt your ability then I would perhaps avoid the job. You find out quite a lot about yourself as a coach and it is a never ending journey.
With my team I organise/manage and coach but I would never ref. I have parents who help pick up barriers and also assist me at coaching sessions. I put in more time and effort than all the other parents but that's what I knew I would be doing. Even so certain parents - after 5 years of training their kids - still think they can tell me how to run the team.
If it were easy everyone would do it.
Well, I've bitten the bullet. After a couple of weeks of called off games I have stepped forward to manage the team at a tournament tomorrow.
They're playing 5 games and I've picked the teams so each person plays in every position and all get equal time on the pitch. One of the other parents has offered to assist me going forward, but is away this weekend so I'll be flying solo tomorrow.
Wish me luck!!
They're playing 5 games and I've picked the teams so each person plays in every position and all get equal time on the pitch. One of the other parents has offered to assist me going forward, but is away this weekend so I'll be flying solo tomorrow.
Wish me luck!!
UPDATE - I've been managing the team for a little while now and it's going really well. The other chap does all the organising and I manage the team on the day. I get told who's available Friday morning and pull the team together Friday afternoon. There's 9 players and we're playing 5-a-side, so there's quite a bit of rotation. So far this year we've had 6 wins and 2 losses, which has really cheered everyone up and the boys are buzzing on a Saturday. Some of the weaker players have really come out of their shell and the lad who was probably the weakest player last year (pre-Christmas) is currently our top goal scorer, and our best result (5:0 )was when our best player was in goal - meant they had to play as a team and not rely on the best player.
I'm rigidly enforcing rotation of the positions, so they all play in every position and I've stopped doing in-game subs, with 3 or 4 substitutes per game it just became too complicated and the kids never knew what position they were meant to be in. They play 2 games with a half time break, so the teams get changed at each interval. Pre-Christmas I was standing with the other parents, I now stand on the opposite side of the pitch with the other manager and that seems to make a big difference. The other parents are no longer making tactical suggestions, just encouragement and the kids always now look to me for instruction during the game rather than at mum and dad, which makes my life easier.
So far, touch wood, no negatives for me. It's been brilliant to see the kids getting better and better.
I need to do my FA Level 1 Coaching badge, but can't get the dates to work so far due to weekends away / work commitments - 4 weeks of 9am to 5pm is quite a commitment. Hopefully April will be clear and I can get myself booked in.
Do any of you do awards each week? It crossed my mind to do a player of the week award (small trophy), but I'm not sure it's too cheesy and part of me thinks I'd rather they put the effort in because they want to win the game for the team not get a trophy for themselves. However, they did love it when they trained at U6's. I'd welcome any other motivational tips anyone has?
I'm rigidly enforcing rotation of the positions, so they all play in every position and I've stopped doing in-game subs, with 3 or 4 substitutes per game it just became too complicated and the kids never knew what position they were meant to be in. They play 2 games with a half time break, so the teams get changed at each interval. Pre-Christmas I was standing with the other parents, I now stand on the opposite side of the pitch with the other manager and that seems to make a big difference. The other parents are no longer making tactical suggestions, just encouragement and the kids always now look to me for instruction during the game rather than at mum and dad, which makes my life easier.
So far, touch wood, no negatives for me. It's been brilliant to see the kids getting better and better.
I need to do my FA Level 1 Coaching badge, but can't get the dates to work so far due to weekends away / work commitments - 4 weeks of 9am to 5pm is quite a commitment. Hopefully April will be clear and I can get myself booked in.
Do any of you do awards each week? It crossed my mind to do a player of the week award (small trophy), but I'm not sure it's too cheesy and part of me thinks I'd rather they put the effort in because they want to win the game for the team not get a trophy for themselves. However, they did love it when they trained at U6's. I'd welcome any other motivational tips anyone has?
Sounds like you are doing a great job, balancing out game time to allow all to have an equal opportunity on the pitch.
Nothing wrong with a player of the week award in my view. We do it.
Best to do the level 1 and to go through all the necessary checks - safeguarding, first aid etc. Will your club pay for it? Mine did and are currently paying for level 2's. I did mine over 2 full weekends, I didn't get to see my family much (which I'm sure they enjoyed) but I did get to play loads of football which is great!
Nothing wrong with a player of the week award in my view. We do it.
Best to do the level 1 and to go through all the necessary checks - safeguarding, first aid etc. Will your club pay for it? Mine did and are currently paying for level 2's. I did mine over 2 full weekends, I didn't get to see my family much (which I'm sure they enjoyed) but I did get to play loads of football which is great!
anniesdad said:
Nothing wrong with a player of the week award in my view. We do it.
Agree. But don't give it for scoring a goal, or making a save. Give it for that one moment in a match, however inconsequential it turned out to be, when a player did something simple that completely embodied whatever it was you were teaching them that week.
If it is a simple head-up, pick a pass, make it and move to give an option to get it back, then use that. Or a perfect block by a defender, or a well-timed run into the right area by a striker. Or just a dropped shoulder that sent someone the wrong way. Whatever.
Especially good if you've got a 10 second video clip you can show everyone so they understand what their mate did so well that he got a prize for it.
Cheers chaps.
Yep, club are happy to pay for me to do my level 1. Unfortunately it's every Sunday for a month with an evening midweek session thrown in for good measure. I was free for the whole of Jan but left booking too late and the course was full by the time I got round to it, was absolutely gutted. I've got a few ski trips in Feb and March which make doing those dates really hard, so looks like I'll have to leave it until April.
I'll get myself a trophy to hand out, they all love a trophy. Great idea on how to do it, they tend to concentrate on one element at coaching each week, so that could be one to watch and see who can put it into a game situation.
Yep, club are happy to pay for me to do my level 1. Unfortunately it's every Sunday for a month with an evening midweek session thrown in for good measure. I was free for the whole of Jan but left booking too late and the course was full by the time I got round to it, was absolutely gutted. I've got a few ski trips in Feb and March which make doing those dates really hard, so looks like I'll have to leave it until April.
I'll get myself a trophy to hand out, they all love a trophy. Great idea on how to do it, they tend to concentrate on one element at coaching each week, so that could be one to watch and see who can put it into a game situation.
SpeckledJim said:
Agree. But don't give it for scoring a goal, or making a save.
Give it for that one moment in a match, however inconsequential it turned out to be, when a player did something simple that completely embodied whatever it was you were teaching them that week.
If it is a simple head-up, pick a pass, make it and move to give an option to get it back, then use that. Or a perfect block by a defender, or a well-timed run into the right area by a striker. Or just a dropped shoulder that sent someone the wrong way. Whatever.
Especially good if you've got a 10 second video clip you can show everyone so they understand what their mate did so well that he got a prize for it.
Absolutely. Give it for that one moment in a match, however inconsequential it turned out to be, when a player did something simple that completely embodied whatever it was you were teaching them that week.
If it is a simple head-up, pick a pass, make it and move to give an option to get it back, then use that. Or a perfect block by a defender, or a well-timed run into the right area by a striker. Or just a dropped shoulder that sent someone the wrong way. Whatever.
Especially good if you've got a 10 second video clip you can show everyone so they understand what their mate did so well that he got a prize for it.
anniesdad said:
SpeckledJim said:
Agree. But don't give it for scoring a goal, or making a save.
Give it for that one moment in a match, however inconsequential it turned out to be, when a player did something simple that completely embodied whatever it was you were teaching them that week.
If it is a simple head-up, pick a pass, make it and move to give an option to get it back, then use that. Or a perfect block by a defender, or a well-timed run into the right area by a striker. Or just a dropped shoulder that sent someone the wrong way. Whatever.
Especially good if you've got a 10 second video clip you can show everyone so they understand what their mate did so well that he got a prize for it.
Absolutely. Give it for that one moment in a match, however inconsequential it turned out to be, when a player did something simple that completely embodied whatever it was you were teaching them that week.
If it is a simple head-up, pick a pass, make it and move to give an option to get it back, then use that. Or a perfect block by a defender, or a well-timed run into the right area by a striker. Or just a dropped shoulder that sent someone the wrong way. Whatever.
Especially good if you've got a 10 second video clip you can show everyone so they understand what their mate did so well that he got a prize for it.
You want the lads thinking you see and understand absolutely everything, and believing you are some kind of Footballing God Made Flesh, so if you work in mysterious ways sometimes, that'll help!
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