What Equipment Does a Coach Need?

A large BAG for all of the items listed below!

Players' MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS - you must have these with you at all practices and games; verify that the emergency information is there.

MEDICAL KITS - A simple kit for games and practices is a good idea for every coach. A kit should include:

• Ice (and `zip-lock' bags)             

• Band aids

• Vaseline

• Sterile pads                              

• Adhesive tape                           

• Elastic wraps

• Antibiotic ointment                    

• Bee sting relief ointment

PUMP and inflating needle - sometimes the game ball is as hard as a rock or too soft and may need a little "tuning", the same goes for the balls kids bring to practice.

SHIN GUARDS - a spare pair of old ones will cover for a forgetful player!

SPARE SHIRTS (2) for your goalkeepers - having two extra shirts of different colors (each contrasting with your team shirts) insures that you will always have a keeper's shirt that contrasts with the opposition colors.

GOALKEEPER'S GLOVES - an inexpensive pair is a useful addition to your game bag.

BALLS - if possible, have a good quality ball available at the game. This will serve for team warm-ups and can be used as a game ball if none is provided. The leather or synthetic leather soccer balls are best; avoid the hard plastic-skinned balls which are unpleasant to kick or head. Each player should have his own ball and bring it to practice; but bring any old spares that you may have to practice because someone is likely to forget theirs.

CONES or pylons (about a dozen) to set up small areas for practice Activities, as obstacles for dribbling Activities, or to mark boundaries for a scrimmage field. Cones of a different color (or with some added duct tape) will make a distinctive goal.

WHISTLE and a CLIPBOARD (for practice plans, medical release forms, substitution schedules) are helpful items.

WATER should be available during practice and at the game. Have the players bring their own water bottles (but keep an extra bottle in your bag or cooler for the occasional forgetful player). Alternatively, have your team parent organize a schedule among the parents to provide water and cups.

The team parent should organize a simple SNACK schedule for game days. Discourage turning snacks into a financial hardship for some parents. Orange or apple slices, or seedless grapes are good choices.  Make sure that all orange peels, apple cores, and grape stems are picked up and placed in an appropriate receptacle.