I put my hand up to manage my kid’s team if no one else did… and now I’ve somehow landed as both manager AND coach for a Division 3 U13 team.
I’m doing my best to get organised, but I’m stuck in limbo with access to the apps and websites the club says I need. I’ve read and re‑read the responsibilities, and I know preseason is chaotic for clubs, but I feel like I’m out on a limb and my questions are just disappearing into the void.
I’ve already connected with the players’ parents/carers, but I don’t have many answers for them because I’m still waiting on answers myself. I don’t want to seem incompetent — I’m genuinely trying — but I have no background in soccer, no idea about the rules, and I’m deep‑diving into everything as fast as I can. It’s just… a lot. And I’m feeling pretty let down by the promised support that hasn’t really materialised.
I don’t want to let the kids down.
For those who’ve been in this position before:
What would you recommend as my next steps?
- What should I prioritise learning first?
- How do you handle being thrown into coaching with zero experience?
- Any resources, drills, or “bare minimum to survive the season” guides you’d recommend?
- How do you get the club to actually respond when you need access or answers?
Any advice, templates, or reality checks welcome.