The Season "Kickoff Letter" to Parents

To download a Sample "Kickoff Letter" (MS Word Format), click here.

One of the most critical components of staging a successful soccer season is the season's "Kickoff Letter" to your players' parents. This can be sent by email, regular mail, and/or if necessary distributed at your team's first practice. Some leagues even have a kickoff meeting or "meet-and-greet" before the first practice, which is also a good occasion to distribute this letter (and discuss it).

The goal of the kickoff letter is twofold: first to anticipate and answer questions your parents will likely have; and two, to explain to the parents your goals for the season and how you expect them to assist you in achieving them. Though a team's goals will vary some by age, some key highlights of a typical "kickoff letter" will include:

• Welcome Message - introduce yourself and comment on how excited you are to be working with their child in the upcoming season.

• Your Goals for the Season - this is a big one. Unless you're at the high school level, I believe your primary goals should center around having fun, and leaving your players with a positive view of their soccer experience, no matter what their skill level. If a player is not having fun they will not want to come back next season. Further, the season will not be about wins and losses, and at younger ages you won't even keep score. More important to you is to get your kids to become comfortable with the soccer ball and to continue to develop their soccer skills. Encourage your parents to practice with their child at home, even for just a short time, always keeping the focus on having fun and staying positive.

Let your parents know that you appreciate their support in reinforcing these goals, and above all should keep all comments positive and respectful, towards their child, other players, coaches, other parents, opponents, and referees.

• Practice/Game Schedule and Location(s) - either explain this in your letter or mention that a practice/game schedule is included with your letter. Highlight any unusual items such as Holidays, changes due to Daylight Savings Time, Picture Day, etc.

• Weather Notices - explain your league's policy on adverse weather and how parents will be notified if any cancellations occur.

• Required Equipment - provide a list of the items each player will need to bring to practices. These typically include soccer cleats, shin guards, a ball, water bottle, shorts, and a T-shirt.

• Team Roster - include a list of all players' names and parent contact info. This will be very helpful in organizing carpools, snack schedule, etc. Request that parents notify you of any corrections or additions to this info.

• Closing Message - finish your letter with another positive comment about how much you're looking forward to the season, and that you welcome any questions or suggestions.

To download a Sample "Kickoff Letter" (MS Word Format), click here.