Coaches Corner
Everything our volunteer coaches need – from your first session to your next qualification.
New Coaches’ Guide
Practical guidance for pre-match, match day, post-match and team management.
Running a junior football team involves much more than what happens during the match itself. Good organisation during the week makes match day easier for coaches, players, parents, the opposition and officials.
This guide covers league and cup matches, followed by recommended club team-management approaches. It does not cover the additional arrangements and approval for friendlies or tournaments.
Wednesday
Confirm opposition, venue, kit and referee.
Thursday
Confirm availability and submit your squad.
Before kick-off
Check IDs and pay the referee in cash.
Before 6pm
Complete the result and report in Matchday.
Every selected player: at least 50% playing time
Plan substitutions so every child gets at least half a game, regardless of ability, opposition, score or whether they start.
England Football Learning
Free sessions, videos and the Introduction to Coaching course.
FA Playmaker
The free starting point for every new volunteer coach.
Liverpool County FA
County courses, safeguarding training and DBS checks.
Whole Game System
Player registrations, team sheets and match results.
Emergency First Aid in Football
Required for every team – book via the county FA.
The FA Respect Programme
Touchline codes and Respect barriers for match days.
Coach checklist
- ✓Enhanced DBS check in date
- ✓Safeguarding Children certificate
- ✓Emergency First Aid in Football
- ✓Introduction to Coaching Football (or working towards)
- ✓Team registered on Whole Game System
- ✓Parents' contacts & medical info collected