It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they are a major resource for your team, but the player still relies on their parents for support and encouragement. A pre-season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

• A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (phone chains)
• Choosing a team administrator, someone to handle all of the details.
• Complete all paperwork required by your league or club. ¨ Discuss the laws of the game.
• Carpool needs.
• Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.
• What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards cleats or sneakers.
• Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
• What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
• Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do, they probably will too.