Running a team is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do and incredibly fun, but can be time-consuming and there will be some challenges along the way.

Read about what makes a good coach.

Team administration, planning and organisation is the overall responsibility of the manager (who MUST have the FA Intro to Coaching qualification).

Assistant coaches with the FA Playmaker qualification take the lead set by the manager in terms of everything from helping to deliver session plans to backing the manager on style of play and coaching advice etc - they are assistants.
 

Bare minimum duties for teams 

• Ensure ALL coaches have the correct qualifications and DBS status
• Ensuring training sessions take place by organising efficiently and being there early to set up
• Organising fixture details well in advance by liaising with the league and opponents. Match details can be set up in the club's own app
• Ensuring the safety of all taking part in training and matches
• Communicating regularly and effectively with parents/guardians and making sure all queries are dealt with
• Overseeing safeguarding, data protection and wellbeing of all involved in the team
• Communicating with the club's chairman regularly and raising any issues and advice requests
• Keeping sponsors updated on team progress
• Ensuring you and your players' parents/guardians have read and have access to the club's handbook. Read the handbook now.
• Ensure players sign up to the correct membership plans in time before they play or train with the club
• Ensure all players are registered with the correct league and the FA, and all the players and coaches details are correct on the FA systems, including the manager's. See the FA's portal app for this.

Checklist for training sessions:

• A clear session plan (what the training session will include) should be set by the manager or at least a coach with the FA Intro to Coaching qualification, even if assistants may be implementing some of the aspects. Read more about session planning. These plans should be shared with all coaches taking part in the session well in advance, so any queries can be dealt with
• You should ensure parents give ample notice of attendance so the plans can be done according to numbers expected and also ensure your fellow coaches and parents know if you yourself will be there or not - this can be done via the club's app
• Correct equipment must be provided and kept in safe, working order - each team has an equipment allowance from the club. Enquire about equipment
• A first aid kit MUST be provided - contact the club for advice on procuring one 
• An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) must be present and understood by all coaches. This includes information including the whereabouts of the nearest defibrillator, address of the nearest hospital and contacts for those who have first aid qualifications. Read more about EAPs
• Correct kit must be worn by the children - this includes appropriate footwear for the training surface, shinpads, weather-relevant clothing and NO jewellery especially earrings which should never be worn for sport
• Ensure parents/guardians know the exact arrangements and what is required

Checklist for matches:

• Liaise with league and opponents to get match details organised as far in advance as possible, so families can plan ahead and any issues can be raised and dealt with. Last minute dot com is not an option when the wellbeing of children is involved
• Ensure parents/guardians are aware of the arrangements - this can be done via the club's app
• Make sure parents/guardians let you know if their child can or can't attend
• Plan team selection and substitutions in advance - especially if your team is at under-11s or younger when players must get fair and equal minutes, whatever their ability. Read more on equal playing time
• Ensure the venue is ready for the game. This may include the need for a pitch inspection, especially if the weather has been inclement. The pitches should be set up in advance of players arriving. If using a club venue this includes ensuring the pitches have lines, corner flags and goals with nets, as well as FA Respect banners (the cordon behind which spectators stand). You don't necessarily have to do all this yourself, but it is your responsibility to ensure it is done. 
• A first aid kit MUST be provided - contact the club for advice on procuring one 
• An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) must be present and understood by all coaches. This includes information including the whereabouts of the nearest defibrillator, address of the nearest hospital and contacts for those who have first aid qualifications. Read more about EAPs
• Correct kit must be worn by the children - this includes appropriate footwear for the training surface, shinpads, weather-relevant clothing and NO jewellery especially earrings which should never be worn for sport
• Make sure there is a referee, even if that is yourself 

Get more general advice on coaching and running a team.