How to Run Your First Football Training Session

What do I need for my first football session?

A bag of balls (one per player if possible), 20–30 flat cones, two sets of bibs, mini goals if you have them, water, a first-aid kit and the parents' contact details.

Your first session doesn't need to be clever. Arrive early, have one activity ready as players turn up, keep talk short and finish with a match. The 60-minute plan below works for most groups from U7 to U12: a 10-minute arrival game, two short practices and a 20-minute game.

A ready 60-minute first session

1. Arrival game: everyone has a ball

Instant activity as players arrive

Any players 10 min One ball each, cones

Set up: Mark a 20 x 20 yard square. Each player dribbles freely inside it as they arrive.
Coaching points: Small touches, heads up, use both feet. Call out moves to copy: stop, turn, speed up.
Make it harder: Coach walks through as a 'shark' trying to tap balls out of the square.

2. Gates passing

Passing with the inside of the foot

6-16 players 12 min Cones for 8 small gates, one ball per pair

Set up: Scatter two-cone gates 2 yards wide around the square. Pairs score a point for each pass through a gate.
Coaching points: Plant foot beside the ball, strike through the middle, receiver shows for it.
Make it harder: Count points in 60 seconds, then allow only one touch.

3. 1v1 to end lines

Dribbling past an opponent

6-16 players 12 min Cones, balls

Set up: A 15 x 10 yard channel. Coach serves to one player; they try to dribble over the far line while the other defends.
Coaching points: Attack at speed, change direction, protect the ball with your body.
Make it harder: Add a second attacker to make it 2v1.

4. Small-sided match

Free play to finish

6-16 players 20 min Bibs, mini goals or cones

Set up: Split into small teams (3v3 to 5v5). Rotate short games so nobody waits long.
Coaching points: Let them play. Praise effort and brave decisions more than results.
Make it harder: Add a rule such as 'a goal from a pass counts double'.

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Before you arrive

Get these sorted the day before so you can focus on the players.

Check the pitch booking and where to park
Pack balls, cones, bibs, goals, water and first aid
Have parents' phone numbers and any medical notes
Plan where each activity will go on the pitch

Talking to parents

Take two minutes at the end to explain session times, kit, and how you'll share minutes on matchdays. Being clear about fair game time early prevents most touchline complaints later.

First session questions

What do I need for my first football session?

A bag of balls (one per player if possible), 20–30 flat cones, two sets of bibs, mini goals if you have them, water, a first-aid kit and the parents' contact details.

How long should a kids' training session be?

Around 60 minutes suits most junior groups. Younger players (U6–U8) often do best with 45 minutes of short, game-based activities.

What should I tell parents at the first session?

Introduce yourself, explain the session times, what kit to bring and how you'll share playing time on matchdays. Ask about any medical needs.

How do I keep children engaged?

Keep queues short, keep explanations under 30 seconds, and let every child touch the ball as often as possible. Finish with a game.

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