Match day mornings in kids football are as much about preparation as they are about anticipation and excitement. For coaches and manager, these mornings offer a unique opportunity to set the tone for the day, ensuring both players and parents are equipped, informed, and ready for the game ahead.
One of the first tasks is checking the equipment. This includes making sure that all the necessary gear, such as balls, cones for warm-ups, goalkeeper gloves, and a first aid kit, is packed and ready to go. Ensuring that the team kit is complete and in good condition is also crucial. This means checking that all players have their jerseys, shorts, socks, shin guards, and appropriate footwear. It’s a small detail, but it contributes significantly to the team’s sense of unity and professionalism. Tip have you checked with the opposition about any colour clashes and the appropriate protocol for who wears their second colour kit
Communication plays a vital role on match day mornings. A quick reminder to parents and players about the game’s location, kickoff time, and any specific requirements (like bringing extra water bottles on a hot day) can prevent last-minute confusion. It’s also a good practice to confirm transportation arrangements, ensuring that all players know how and when they’re getting to the venue.
For many coaches and managers, creating a group chat or email chain for such communication has proven effective. Tip Have you or your club established a communication group, like WhatsApp, for all players’ parents or guardians.
Next, focus on the players’ preparation. This begins with a nutritious breakfast, an often overlooked but essential aspect of physical performance. Encouraging players to have a balanced meal, especially if it’s your own son or daughter, that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fluids can significantly impact their energy levels and concentration during the game.
Another crucial aspect is mental preparation. Parents can play a key role here by helping their children focus and calm any pre-game nerves. This can be as simple as discussing the fun aspects of the game or going over some basic strategies. The goal is to ensure that players arrive at the venue feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to play. Tip A good night’s sleep is imperative and worth reminding parents the day before. Kids turning up yawning or lacking focus is no good for them, you or the rest of the team.
Upon arrival at the field, it’s important to allow time for a proper warm-up. This not only prepares the players physically but also gives them a chance to acclimatise to the playing environment. A good warm-up can include a variety of things and will depend on your age group, match formation and strategy. Allow enough time if you want to talk about specific roles, positions and match objectives. Tip Remember you have to factor in this talk time along with the physical warm up.
This time can also be used to foster team spirit and camaraderie, setting a positive mood for the game.
At RWIF we recommend at least 40 minutes for age groups U8 onwards and another 10 minutes cushion for late arrivals, missing shin pads and tying laces. Tip Suggest to parents you meet 45-50 minutes before allocated kick off time
Lastly, the pre-match team talk is a pivotal moment. This is when the team manager can discuss the game’s objectives, emphasise the key points of teamwork and fair play and boost the team’s morale. Tip You can find articles on how to deliver pre-match team talks and warm up drills elsewhere in the Digital Academy
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure. Confucius
In summary, preparations on a match day morning are about more than just ensuring that everything is in place for the game. They are about setting the stage for a positive, enjoyable, and enriching experience for the kids. Through careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on both physical and mental preparation, coaches and managers can help create an environment where children can perform at their best and their parents continue to feel confident in you and the fantastic job you’re doing!
