If you are reading this page you are considering becoming a coach at Oundle Town Football Club. Whether your child’s team has asked for a new coach to step up, you are thinking of starting a new team, or you just want to have fun and support your team, this page will help you decide if coaching is right for you and get you started on your way to making a positive difference in your club.
Why should I become a Coach?
Coaching in Grassroots Football is a fun and rewarding experience. Watching a team grow over the season is one of the most fun parts of being a coach. When you work on a skill in training, and then see the players implement that skill in the game, it is as exciting as the game itself. Even better than watching the players develop their skills, is knowing that you have a part in helping them develop a love of the sport. Watching a group of players come together at the beginning of the season, from different places in their lives, and develop meaningful friendships and a gel as a team is a truly rewarding experience. Why sit on the sidelines and watch, when you can have fun and make friends through coaching?
What training is required to become a coach?
Each team is required to have two (2) DBS adults trained in safeguarding at each training session and match. Teams must also have two (2) adults trained in first aid and having completed the Playmaker course on the FA’s website. In order to coach you will need the following trainings:
FA Playmaker takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Once approved by the club, the fee for the course will be reimbursed. Please do not pay for the course until you have been approved by the club.
The FA Safeguarding course takes about 2 hours to complete. This course will cost £30, but with pre-approval, the club will reimburse coaches. A free 30 minutes version is available to parents and carers here.
Introduction to First Aid in Football
Introduction to First Aid in Football takes about 2 hours to complete. Once approved by the club, the fee for the course will be reimbursed. Please do not pay for the course until you have been approved by the club.
As a Coach, what will I need to do?
Coaching responsibilities are shared among the coaches on the team, and each team must have at least 2 coaches. The responsibilities below can also be shared with parents on the team.
- At the beginning of the season the Coaches must:
- Assure that the Club Secretary has the appropriate information to enter your team in the appropriate league*.
- Get members of their team registered, with the help of the team and club registration officers.
- Communicate with parents (if under 18) or players, using WhatsApp and MatchDay.
- Secure a team sponsor, with the help of parents, and make sure every player has a kit.
- During the season Coaches must:
- Plan and run a one hour training session each week, including arriving before the players and staying at the pitch until the last player leaves (for players under the age of 18).
- Keep the balls, bibs, cones, first aid kit, and other supplies and transport them to training and matches.
- Keep in contact with the Club Secretary and parents to make sure that subs are paid each month.
- For all matches* Coaches must:
- Set the line up in MatchDay and ensure that you have a team and coaches for the match.
- Plan and manage the team on match day, usually a Saturday or Sunday.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to matches and warm up the team.
- Communicate with the opposing team’s Coach.
- Respond to the Full Time text with the score after the match.
- For home games* Coaches must:
- Initiate contact with the opposing Coach.
- Confirm pitch availability.
- Confirm that the league has assigned you a ref, and contact the ref to confirm. If no ref has been assigned, contact refs from the list and secure a ref for the match.
- Set up the corner flags and respect line on game day (a great job for a parents volunteer), ensuring that they are returned to the lock up in good working condition for the next team.
- Inspect the pitch condition to ensure that there are no holes, rubbish, standing water, or other safety issues.
- At the end of the season Coaches should:
- Celebrate the end of the season with the team and involve the team in the club end of season Presentation Day.
- Decide when the team will stop training for the summer and if any tournaments will be entered.
*Some teams are training only and will not have match or league responsibilities.
How do I get started?
The first step is to speak to the coach on the team you want to join, if there is one. Contact the Club Welfare Officer to start the process of getting DBS cleared. You may not start working with players under 18 until you have a DBS. You can also start the FA Safeguarding course immediately, as there is no cost for this training. Once you have confirmed that you have a team to coach, contact the Club Treasurer to get approval to take the FA PlayMaker and Introduction to First Aid in Football courses.