Support
You support is encouraged at all games as it helps the children's motivation and performance. We do encourage all parents to read and ask questions about our code of practice to make sure we all know what is expected and to avoid any issues in case people are unhappy with decisions, other supporters etc.

Kit
The club provides match kit consisting of numbered club shirt, shorts, and socks. Please help by ensuring the kit is clean and ready for matches. Encourage tucking in of the shorts, and socks covering their shin pads (a safety rule). This is FA and league rules for the image of the game, and safety. You will need to provide shin pads, preferably with ankle protection, and boots. Boots must have all stubs securely in place, and undamaged or they will not be allowed to play. This is for their safety and that of other players. If any problems arise with kit damage or losses please ensure you let coach know immediately you are aware.

Attendance at training
We expect all members to turn up for weekly training sessions unless there is a good reason. Please ensure coach knows in advance if your child will not be at training. This helps ensure their safety, because if the child has left home and not turned up at the session we will be able to contact you, rather than you not knowing until they don't return later.

Transport to and from matches
We always need and welcome parents support in providing transport to and from matches. We will try to ensure we provide clear directions to help make everything run smoothly. Also, please do not just drop you child at the gate and drive off. If we do not have enough volunteer drivers with enough belted seats for each player then we will not leave children standing in the car park, so we cannot go, and may forfeit the match!

Home games
We gratefully accept help at home games with getting nets up in good time, refreshments, etc.

Wet weather games
If the weather is cold and wet then the players will benefit from having a dry towel and spare socks. It can be useful to have the players arrive in spare socks, so they can change into their team socks just before the match. This helps them get straight into the game comfortable and ready to work.

Tracksuit trousers are good for after the game to prevent loss of body heat, and a dry towel enables them to dry off and feel comfortable quicker. A waterproof jacket is necessary too, because the coach may need to substitute them at some point and they can get very cold if not active on the pitch, especially if wet. A waterproof bag is useful to keep their clothing and equipment in, but a couple of plastic carrier bags are just as good.

Some venues also have changing facilities with hot showers they can use to get warm and dry straight after the match. Child protection rules apply and they will be cared for by only the team, and no adults, involved in showers.

Hot weather games
In hot weather, it is important that the players have plenty of fluids. Please make sure they have taken plenty of drinks before the match.

Off season: We encourage children to train during the off-season and provide a separate sheet with recommended training routines for players to ensure they are fit at the start of the season.

Diet
On match days, it is good for players to have plenty of carbohydrates in their meals to ensure they have the necessary energy throughout the game. They should not take a large meal just before the game, but can snack on carbohydrates right up to the start, and at half time. Some energy drinks are good for this, and a recommended low cost alternative is a mix of half water-half orange juice.

Attendance at Matches
The coach will select the squad for matches and make it known at the training session before the match. Please make sure your child knows if there are any reasons stopping them being available for the match, so the coach can select another player and avoid disappointment. If your child says he or she is available, please ensure they turn up! If there is any reason that they will not be able to, contact the coach as soon as possible. If we have to disappoint other players by not selecting them, and a selected player does not turn up (without having let the coach know) we may not select that player for the next match. Please help us in this area because we really want to get everyone involved and playing.

Information
We try to provide information on all aspects of what we do and are pleased to get questions because they help us ensure we have given all the information that you or others may want to know. We need to have emergency contact details, so please ensure you keep coach up to date with telephone numbers.

Psychology
After the game, or when your child arrives home, try to ask if they enjoyed the game, rather than “did you win?”. This makes a difference to them because they can always please you by telling you how much they enjoyed it, how well they and the team played, and how many chances they had. The children can put too much pressure on themselves to win, and it is great for them to be able to tell you how well it went without having to say “No, we lost…”
Originally witten for 2004/5 Season U14 Boys. Updated for All children 2007-09-21