What should you expect when playing another team?

AIY Soccer had a new website when I joined, it was the SportsLogicTech and although not perfect, it was pretty good.

Use it to remind parents of games and practice and make sure you have all the parent email addresses and phone numbers.

Assisting Coach
I found it very difficult to manage the team and at the same time keep track of what player was in for how long and who was next to get substituted.  I assigned an assistant coach who I gave a clipboard and a printout (Click here) to keep track.  Every 2 minutes make the substitution allowing all the players to have even time.   Make sure you find a volunteer BEFORE the game.  Once you are there, it’s all chaos :)

Referee
You will not get a referee until U8 games.  This means that the coaches will be the ref.  This might seem unfair but it really does not matter.  A referee would be overkill for these games.  For this purpose it might be good to get yourself a whistle and a stop watch.

Sidelines
For the games you are to place all the parents of both teams on one side, and the coaches on the other.   Have the kids leave the drinks on the coach side so they don’t run back to their parents during breaks.  The team spirit is important, but so is the focus they have to build up.

Home/Away Shirt Colors
This year they chose Yellow as the away color, and Blue as the Home color.  If your shirts are different then make sure you ask the Coach Director before the game, or do as I do, tell the parent to bring both colors just in case something changes.

Drinks/Snacks
I found that my player’s parenst were very eager to take turns bringing snacks and drinks for the kids after the game.  Make sure you check for allergies and such.