Coaching Your Kid's Football Team: A Dad's Survival Guide
You volunteered to help with the kids' football. Now what? A practical guide for dad-coaches who want to make training fun and effective.
It usually starts the same way. You're standing on the touchline in the rain, watching 14 kids chase a ball in a clump, and someone asks: "Any parent fancy helping out with coaching?"
Before you know it, you've got a whistle, a bag of cones, and 20 kids looking at you expectantly on a Tuesday evening.
If that's you — welcome. You're about to do something brilliant for your kid and their mates. Here's how to not completely wing it.
You don't need a coaching badge (but it helps)
Let's get this out the way: you do not need an FA qualification to help with training at grassroots level. Most junior clubs are desperate for parent helpers.
That said, the FA Playmaker course is free, takes about an hour online, and gives you a solid foundation. It's designed for exactly this situation — parents who want to help but don't know where to start.
Beyond that, the FA Introduction to Coaching Football (formerly Level 1) costs around £160-200 and is genuinely excellent. Your club may subsidise it.
The golden rules of coaching kids
1. Fun comes first
This sounds obvious, but watch any grassroots game and you'll see coaches screaming instructions like it's the Champions League final. Kids aged 6-10 play football because it's fun. The moment it stops being fun, they stop playing.
Research from the FA's Youth Development Review found that enjoyment is the number one predictor of children staying in sport. Not winning. Not technical ability. Fun.
2. Everyone plays, everyone touches the ball
At this age, the kid who can't trap a ball needs MORE touches, not fewer. Avoid drills where kids stand in long queues waiting for one go. Small groups, lots of balls, maximum activity.
A good rule: in any drill, if a child is standing still for more than 30 seconds, the drill needs changing.
3. Let them play
The FA's guidance for this age group is clear: small-sided games (3v3 to 5v5) are how children learn best. Not by listening to a 10-minute tactical talk. Not by running laps. By playing.
Your job is to set up the game, manage the teams, and then shut up. Seriously. The urge to shout "PASS!" or "SHOOT!" is strong, but kids learn more by making decisions themselves — including bad ones.
4. Coach the player, not the team
At 7, there's no point teaching "formation" or "hold your position." Their brains aren't ready for abstract spatial concepts. Focus on individual skills: first touch, dribbling with both feet, shooting, and basic 1v1 defending.
5. Praise effort, not outcome
"Great effort running back to defend" beats "Well done for scoring" every time. Kids who are praised for effort develop resilience. Kids who are praised only for results learn to avoid anything they might fail at.
Planning a session (without overthinking it)
A good grassroots session follows a simple structure:
| Phase | Duration | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 5-10 mins | Active game (tag, relay, dribbling game) |
| Skill focus | 15-20 mins | 1-2 drills on the session theme |
| Game | 15-20 mins | Small-sided game applying the skill |
| Cool down | 5 mins | Light passing, stretches, recap |
That's it. Don't over-plan. One theme per session (dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.) is plenty. The kids won't remember three different coaching points — give them one to focus on.
Tip: Use the NetDads Football Training Planner to generate a complete session in seconds, with age-appropriate drills and coaching points.
Dealing with the tricky bits
The kid who doesn't want to join in
Don't force them. Let them watch. Ask if they want to be your "assistant coach" and help set up cones. They'll usually drift into the session when they see everyone having fun. Never single them out.
The parent who thinks their kid is Messi
Smile and nod. Focus on development, not results. If they push for "more competitive" training, explain the FA's development pathway — talent shows itself over years, not single games.
The crying kid
It happens. A ball to the face, a missed goal, or just tiredness. Take them to the side, give them a minute, ask if they're okay. Don't make a big deal of it. Most of the time they'll be back playing in 60 seconds.
The match-day touchline
The sideline is where good coaching goes to die. Parents screaming contradictory instructions, kids looking confused. Set expectations early: positive encouragement only from the sideline. Some clubs use "Silent Sideline" matches once a season — they're brilliant.
Mixed abilities
You'll have kids who can already do stepovers and kids who fall over their own feet. Differentiate by making drills flexible: the confident kids do it at speed, the developing kids do it at their own pace. Avoid picking teams in a way that exposes weaker players.
The stuff nobody tells you
- You'll get cold. Really cold. Invest in proper coaching gear: thermal base layer, warm coat, waterproof trousers, hat. Standing still for 90 minutes in January is no joke.
- Admin is half the job. TeamApp, WhatsApp groups, kit washing, pitch booking — the organisational side is relentless. Share it with other parents.
- It will affect your relationship with your own kid. Some kids thrive with dad as coach. Others find it awkward. Check in with your child regularly. If they'd rather you just watched, that's okay.
- You'll love it. Watching a kid who couldn't kick straight in September score their first goal in March — there's nothing like it. That's why you're doing this.
Where to learn more
- FA Playmaker (free online): playmaker.thefa.com
- FA Coaching courses: Search "FA coaching courses near me"
- NetDads Football Training Planner: netdads.co.uk/tools/football-planner
- The Boot Room (FA podcast): Great for grassroots coaching insights
- Coaching Manual YouTube channel: Free session ideas
FAQ
Do I need a DBS check to coach kids?
Yes. Any adult in a position of trust with children needs an Enhanced DBS check. Your club should arrange this — it's free for volunteers and takes 2-4 weeks. Don't start coaching unsupervised until it's completed.
What insurance do I need?
If you're coaching under a club affiliated with your County FA, you're covered by the FA's insurance. If you're running informal kickabouts independently, check your personal liability cover. Most clubs handle this.
What if I'm coaching and my kid is on the team?
This is common and mostly fine, but be aware of perception. Don't give your kid preferential treatment (more playing time, always in their preferred position). Other parents notice. Ask another parent for honest feedback now and then.
You don't need to be a qualified coach to make a difference. You just need to show up, keep it fun, and care. The rest you'll figure out as you go.