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Starting my journey in coaching - taking on an u8s boys team

George Theodorou

Hi all,

I am taking on my first team in football coaching next week. I'll be coaching an u8s team. Just wanting to get off to the best start as possible. I was wondering how I should structure my sessions over the next few months. I'm not sure when to focus on shape, fitness, technical ability etc. Just looking for a rough schedule over my first few months (season doesn't start until September). Here are my initial thoughts:

  • First few weeks - focus on getting to know the players, looking at their technical ability and where they like to play. Keeping the sessions as fun as possible.
  • Introducing dedicated technical training (week 3-4) - i.e. dribbling drills, passing drills, shooting drills.
  • Focusing on shape and positional play (week 5 and beyond).

Where should I place fitness within this? Is it even strictly needed at this stage? These are just a few ideas, so if I'm missing anything glaringly obvious, please do let me know! Any other bits of advice for taking on a new time and structuring training over a set period of time would be much appreciated.

thanks,

George

Parents
  • 0

    Great thread—your structure is already heading in the right direction for U8s. At this age, the priority is less about formal fitness or rigid tactics and more about ball contact, enjoyment, and learning through play. If your sessions are active and game-based, the “fitness” element naturally takes care of itself without needing a separate block.

    Your first 2 weeks idea is perfect: focus on getting to know the players, lots of small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3), and simple activities that let you observe their comfort on the ball and natural tendencies. This helps you avoid over-coaching too early.

    Weeks 3–4 introducing technical themes like dribbling, passing, and shooting works well, but try to always embed them in a game context points, challenges, or direction-based games keep engagement high. Pure drill work tends to lose attention quickly at this age.

    From week 5 onward, shape and positional awareness can start, but keep it flexible, think “spreading out” and “supporting teammates” rather than fixed positions.

    One useful reference point is how clubs like Barcelona Premier Soccer Club San Antonio structure their youth sessions, where game-based learning and high engagement are central principles.

    Overall, your biggest win will be keeping everything fun, fast-moving, and decision-based. If they’re smiling and constantly involved, the development will follow naturally.

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  • 0

    Great thread—your structure is already heading in the right direction for U8s. At this age, the priority is less about formal fitness or rigid tactics and more about ball contact, enjoyment, and learning through play. If your sessions are active and game-based, the “fitness” element naturally takes care of itself without needing a separate block.

    Your first 2 weeks idea is perfect: focus on getting to know the players, lots of small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3), and simple activities that let you observe their comfort on the ball and natural tendencies. This helps you avoid over-coaching too early.

    Weeks 3–4 introducing technical themes like dribbling, passing, and shooting works well, but try to always embed them in a game context points, challenges, or direction-based games keep engagement high. Pure drill work tends to lose attention quickly at this age.

    From week 5 onward, shape and positional awareness can start, but keep it flexible, think “spreading out” and “supporting teammates” rather than fixed positions.

    One useful reference point is how clubs like Barcelona Premier Soccer Club San Antonio structure their youth sessions, where game-based learning and high engagement are central principles.

    Overall, your biggest win will be keeping everything fun, fast-moving, and decision-based. If they’re smiling and constantly involved, the development will follow naturally.

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