APL – Match Day Run Through

You may have to play 4 games on one weekend, for this we recommend having 2 games go ahead at the same time. These can then be played off of one whistle that starts and ends the quarters at the same time. Then, the next set of games are staggered so that they start as the other games finish. That way you only require 2 coaches

• 9:00am – Coaches arrive,
  • Set up pitch 30x40m (We split a 5 aside pitch in half and run both games on it next to each other, we find this to be the perfect size for developmental football). Also use Corner Flags, Respect lines, Goals (5-aside)
  • Registration table – Have a register for parents to sign in on so we are aware of numbers, use your spreadsheet to know who is and isn’t attending. Put any medals and trophies on the table as well.
  • Have a welcome board to put next to the table, on this board you can have print outs of team logos etc, to show what games are on that day
  • Have cones set up to indicate where teams are meant to be sat post registrations
  • Warm Up Box – allows for the kids to do a Warm Up prior to kickoff

• 9:30am – Parents arrive
  • Sign in via the registrations table
  • Then warm up prior to kickoff
  • The half an hour arrival schedule allows for any lateness as well

• 10:00am – First 2 matches kickoff
  • 4×10 min quarters
  • Correct formation played – GK, DF, LM, RM, ST 
  • Tactics team talk after every quarter, swap players around
  • Half time switch halves
  • At the end of the game, bring them all in for a debrief.
  • Then bring both pitches (depending on how many games are running) together for a presentation. Player of the match for both teams.

• 11:00am – Parents start arriving for 2nd set of games
  • Start signing them in
  • Again have a designated area for them to warm up. 

• 11:30am – Last 2 matches kick off
  • 4×10 min quarters
  • Correct formation played – GK, DF, LM, RM, ST 
  • Tactics team talk after every quarter, swap players around
  • At Half time switch halves
  • At the end of the game, bring them all in for a debrief.
  • Then bring both pitches (depending on how many games are running) together for a presentation. Present the player of the match awards for both teams (see awards page)

Notes:

• Coaches referee as well as coach the game at the same time
• Look out for parent managers who show interest on the touchline, these could make good managers for S4KFC teams, the next progression after the APL.
• Even if only 3 players say yes, this can still work quite well, if enough coaches there, put a coach in goal. That way the players get more touches/involvement.
• Make sure to get loads of videos and photos to go on the socials

Materials and Assets:

https://www.s4kleagues.co.uk/

S4K University:

S4K Football Academy U7 & U8s