Bulldogs FC Recreation Soccer League

Coaches Welcome Guide

September 7, 2017

Welcome to Bulldogs FC! We are excited and appreciate that you are a part of our Recreation Soccer Program. Here are a few ideas to ensure that you and your players have a great season. Thank you so much for volunteering your time!

When you receive your roster send the team a quick note to introduce yourself, remind them of the time and place of first practice, your plan to hand out jerseys and your expectations for families during practice.

Pinnies, Cones and Balls will be available fro you each session. Please return when you are done with them so others can use them.

Each week I will provide a practice plan for you that is age appropriate and activity based. Visit the Moreau Rec Soccer website for all of your coaching plans. You will also be able to access Additional activities for your training sessions if you would like to add.

At your first session introduce yourself to all parents and players. Really try to learn their names and use them as much as possible throughout the season. Make it clear to all parents that this is not a DROP-OFF activity and that you will need assistance from time to time. Good coaches….Take a knee or get down to the players level when talking to them, they also have the kids look at them while the coach looks into the sun. Make sure that you communicate at their level – keep them moving! No LINES – No LAPS Please!

Be prepared for all sessions. Be prepared for everything. Keep the roster with you for all sessions in case of emergency. My cell is 518-466-0534 – you can always call me as well.

Set expectations for families at the first session... a. Parents from both teams on one side, players from both teams on the other sideline b. Do not yell at referees when we have them. c. Cheer for all players, not against another team. d. If there is an issue with you and a parent please let me know your side of the issue and have them connect with me

“Treats” are not needed!There are too many allergies that children may have…Peanut, Gluten, etc..

Remind parents that the use of Social Media is not an appropriate way to communicate about other players or coaches in the Bulldogs FC Program. If there is an issue these parents and players will be removed. They should contact me if they have an issue.

d. We will have a Photo night set up at the end of September. I also am finalizing details on Having the players attend a Boys and Girls Varsity game and be recognized while there… Details are still in the works.

Each Saturday, all players should start their session at the Adirondack FC tent. Here I will be brief and would like to make any announcements and recognize individuals for a number of different things. Once we break teams will take 5 minutes warm-up and play. Mid-week sessions, players will meet you at the designated field and do their training session then play for the final 30-40 minutes.

Team Webpage - Use this as much as possible. Play with it, change pictures, send out warm fuzzies.. I am finding that is the best way to communicate because all of the info you send stays there. Also parents have access to it if they download the Dick’s Sporting Good’s Team HQ app.

Weather – A Text, email will be sent to all ASAP when we cancel. It will also be posted on the Moreau Rec Soccer/Bulldogs FC facebook pages, instagram and the front page of the League Website