Game Day is one of the best parts of youth soccer. Look at it through their eyes - getting to wear a fancy uniform, having a gathering of family and friends there to watch them, the fields often lined with fresh lime or paint, snacks at halftime and postgame, etc.; all in all it's a big "event" in their lives. And that's really cool.
There are a few things you can do and a few things you should keep in mind to make sure game day runs smoothly:
I. Everybody Gets A Turn
Unless you're coaching at the high school level or higher, do everything you can to get all your players on the field, preferably for a relatively equal amount of time. It's more important for the kids to have fun and enjoy game day than it is to only play the stronger players in an attempt to give yourself a better chance of winning the game.
II. Being On the Field With Your Team
Just a small point, but if you're coaching 4-, 5-, and even 6-year olds, you'll likely want to be on the field with your team, encouraging them, directing them on what to do, helping to keep the ball in bounds (and picking it up when they keep chasing it way out), and sometimes picking up fallen players before they get trampled on. At an older age (7 and above), players are generally able to get by on their own without the need of having you out there with them.
III. Stay Positive!
Keep your goals in mind. We're here to develop players' skills, encourage good sportsmanship, and foster a positive soccer environment. Our #1 goal is not to win that game, but to have our players eager to come back next week and next year. Don't get carried away with the score! In younger leagues, don't even bother keeping score (though the kids will on their own).
IV. Post-Game Handshake
This is a must. Our league uses the midfield line, with each team starting on opposite ends. Players simply hold their right hand out and pat the other team's players' hands as they all walk forward. Everyone should say "Good game", "Nice job", etc. Reinforce with your players why we do this and why good sportsmanship is important.
V. Post-Game Cheer and Snack
What works really great is to have your parents line up in an "archway" for your players to run through after shaking hands with your opponent. Parents simply line up in two rows facing each other, hold their hands high, and lean over to touch the person standing in front of them. It makes a great "tunnel" for players to run through, all the while being cheered on by everyone. Meet your team at the end of this tunnel, tell them what a great game they played and how proud you are of them, and lead a team cheer ("1-2-3 Soccer!" or "1-2-3 Wildcats", etc.). Finish the day with a snack, provided by one of the parents.
