End of Season Checklist
- April 3, 2014
- Alex Blackman
Well done. If you're reading this it means you've reached the end of another season - you've braved wind, rain and smelly kit bags to give your players an experience they couldn't have had without you.
Before the sun sets and you lock away the equipment for the summer test yourself with our end of season checklist - making sure you're finishing the season properly - recognising your players' hard-work and sowing the seeds of success for next season.
1. Awards: Your players have all contributed and they should all be recognised.
With older players this can take the form of a team social and awards evening (book your clubhouse or local function room for a celebratory dinner and drinks). You can also hand out trophies for achievements, as well as wooden spoons for silly things such as most forgetful player or worst miss of the season etc.
With younger players this could be something as low key as handing out certificates at the end of your final game. Each player could receive a certificate with an achievement or positive attribute they displayed during the season - most improved player, top scorer, leadership ability and excellent attendance at training are just a few ideas I've used in the past.
Here's a free template you can edit and print at home.
Don't forget to thank the parents and volunteers who have all mucked in too!
2. We will meet again: This may be the last time you see some players until next season - unless you have summer tournaments planned. Make sure you've done the following:
- Check contact details for each player - are they up to date?
- Set a date for your first pre-season training - get players to save it in their phones - no excuses
- Organise your plans from this year, what worked well and what didn't?
- All done? Then put your feet up and RELAX!
While everything is still fresh in your mind it can be a good idea to make some notes on the season - it doesn't need to be too detailed - just a few ideas on what worked well and areas for improvement. These notes will be invaluable when it comes to next season (see point 3).
3. Prepare: As you're having a well earned rest you can think ahead for the upcoming season and what needs to be prepared.
- Do you need to order new equipment,
- Do you need to recruit new players and
- Do you have a pre-season plan?
It's also important to reflect on what went well last year, and what didn't.
With older players it can be good to meet up with your captain / senior players ahead of a new season to discuss their thoughts - how do they feel they performed and what are their expectations for the new season.
Lastly it's a good idea to design an off-season / pre-season training plan. Top teams will play their first games at full fitness, so don't get caught behind the curve. No later than one month before your first game bring players back to the training field for training. I find 75% fitness and 25% skills is a good starting point, tapering off workouts towards the start of the season to give players a chance to recover fully.
What have we missed?
The ticklist above is far from exhaustive so please let me know if I've missed something - Click here to share how you plan to finish your season, anything from team-building to preparation for the upcoming season!