Your child's first soccer practice: what to expect and bring

What happens at a typical first practice

A first soccer practice is usually about meeting the coach, meeting teammates, getting comfortable with the ball and having fun. Most coaches start with a short warm-up, play a few simple games with a ball, work on a basic skill such as dribbling or passing, and finish with a small game. Expect a lot of movement and very little standing in lines, especially at younger ages. Practices vary by coach and age, but this is a common pattern.

What to bring

• Shin guards. Many leagues require them at every practice and game.
• Soccer cleats or comfortable athletic shoes. Ask the coach what is required. See how to choose soccer cleats for kids.
• Socks that pull up over the shin guards.
• A properly sized ball if the coach asks for one, with the child's name on it.
• A full water bottle labeled with the child's name.
• Clothes for the weather, and sunscreen in sunny weather.
• Any medical items your child needs, with the coach informed.

Use the youth soccer equipment checklist for a full list, and keep a bag packed so it is easy to grab.

Before you go

1. Read the team email or message so you know the time, field and any special instructions.
2. Have your child eat a normal meal or snack well before practice, according to what works for your family, and use the bathroom.
3. Arrive a few minutes early so your child is not rushed, and so you can introduce yourself to the coach.
4. Tell the coach privately about any health concerns, allergies or anything that helps your child feel safe.
5. Ask about the plan for the season, the schedule and how parents can help.

If your child is nervous

It is normal for children to feel shy or worried at the first practice. Some cling to a parent, some refuse to join in and some just watch. Here are some ways to help.

• Talk about what will happen in simple words before you go. Surprises feel scarier than a plan.
• Arrive early so your child can see the field before it fills with players.
• Let your child watch for a few minutes if they need to, then encourage them to join in without pressure.
• Stay close at first if the coach is fine with it, then step back as your child gets comfortable.
• Avoid bribes or threats. Calm encouragement works better.

For more on nerves and confidence, see soccer nerves and confidence for young players.

What parents should do during practice

Many practices let parents watch from the side. Stay off the field unless the coach asks for help, and let the coach do the coaching. If you want to cheer, cheer for effort and trying new things, not only for goals. Avoid giving instructions from the sideline, since children cannot listen to two voices at once and it can confuse them. See soccer sideline etiquette for parents for more ideas. If you want to get involved, offer to help with a task such as bringing water or setting up cones.

Common first-day mistakes

• Forgetting shin guards or water.
• Showing up at the last minute so the child feels rushed.
• Putting pressure on the child to impress the coach.
• Comparing your child to others on the team.
• Giving your child instructions that conflict with the coach's.
• Expecting a polished practice. Early practices are often noisy and a bit chaotic, which is normal.

After practice

Ask open questions like "What was the most fun part?" or "What did you learn?" instead of "Did you do well?" Let your child talk, and do not correct their technique on the car ride home. Make sure they drink water and rest. If your child did not enjoy the first practice, give it a few more tries before deciding. Children often need time to adjust to a new team and a new routine. If something seems wrong, such as a child who is repeatedly upset or hurt, talk with the coach, and if the concern continues, with the league.

What the first few weeks usually look like

Expect progress to be uneven. Some children seem to pick up soccer right away, while others take weeks before they feel comfortable chasing the ball. Young players often bunch around the ball, a pattern coaches call "bee swarm" soccer, and this is normal. They do not yet see the whole field, so spreading out and passing come later. You may also see children pick dandelions, wave at the sideline or lie down mid-game. That is part of being little.

Over the first few weeks, coaches usually add small ideas one at a time: dribbling with control, kicking with the inside of the foot, stopping the ball and taking a shot. Your role is to give your child time. Take a short trip to the park to kick a ball around, but do not turn it into extra practice if your child would rather play. If you want a game plan for the whole year, how to prepare for soccer season walks through it, and soccer rules for beginners explains the game so you can follow along.

Questions to ask the coach in week one

• How will you let families know about schedule changes or weather cancellations?
• Are parents welcome to stay and watch, or help out?
• What is the plan for game days, including arrival times and uniforms?
• Is there anything you would like us to practice at home?

Coaches appreciate parents who ask clear questions early, and the answers save confusion later in the season.

Sources and further reading

1. Is Your Child Ready for Sports? HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics
2. 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 Online Courses Complete New U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching Pathway U.S. Soccer
3. Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries in Children & Teens HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics

Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.

Frequently asked questions

What should my child bring to their first soccer practice?

Shin guards, socks, cleats or athletic shoes, a labeled water bottle and weather-appropriate clothes. Ask the coach about anything else.

Should I stay and watch the first practice?

Many coaches welcome parents at the side, especially for young children. Ask the coach, and keep your coaching voice quiet.

What if my child cries or will not join in?

Stay calm, let them watch for a bit and encourage them gently. Many children warm up after a few minutes or a few practices.

Does my child need a soccer ball at practice?

Only if the coach asks. Many teams provide balls, but a ball with your child's name is useful for practice at home.

What do I say after a first practice?

Ask what was fun rather than how they performed, and celebrate the effort of trying something new.