Getting match day ready

Confirm arrival time and kit the night before

Send one reminder with time, location, kit and weather. Parents will thank you.

Pack first-aid basics and extra water

Plasters, ice pack, spare socks and a full water bottle. Hope you do not need them, bring them anyway.

Send a final reminder on the morning

A quick 'See you at the pitch' message keeps stragglers to a minimum.

Arrive early and set the tone

Greet every player by name. A handshake and a smile settles nerves before the warm-up.

Keep the team talk short

One idea, one expectation, one bit of encouragement. Then let them play.

Rotate fairly and explain why

Every player deserves a turn. Be transparent about playing time from the start.

Debrief quickly: one thing to keep, one to try

No long lectures. Ask what they enjoyed and what they would do differently.

Thank the opposition and the refs

Win or lose, shake hands and mean it. Sportsmanship is the last lesson of the day.