Match day helper

Collect the 'subs'. Most teams collect 'subs' off each player at every game. This is normally a few £'s to cover the basic costs of running the team – it can also be something of an administrative nightmare for the hard-pressed manager! There is always one child who forgets to bring their money so this is an important task to stay on top of. It's easy, just download our template form here and you're away!

Putting up the nets and the corner flags (and taking them down at the end).

Marking out the pitch. This might not be needed for every home game, but trundling the line marker machine round isn't too arduous.

Making sure the Ref gets paid. There will be a set fee for the refereee although this will vary for different age groups. Generally the older the age group the more the referee's match fee will be.

Provide refreshments for the other parents. A hot cup of coffee on a cold, wet February morning will be universally welcomed.

Help out with transporting players to matches and training sessions. Again, there is nearly always one player who might not find it as easy as others to get to all the games.

Wash the kit. Each player generally has their own kit. Thankfully it's rare for the whole team kit to need washing by one person!

Record match statistics e.g. who the scorers were and who was man of the match. You can also take responsibility for contacting the league with the match result and details.

Write the match report, send it to the local paper and post it on the club website (if one exists). Kids love reading about their team.

Why not help coach the team, organise the pre-match warm-up, run the line or even referee?……you'll find some guidance points on these areas through the website.

First aid. This is hugely important and every team must have a qualified first aider. The manager/coach will probably have covered this as part of their coaching qualification; however another qualified person won't go amiss. First Aid courses won't take up much time and are inexpensive; much of what you'll learn can be applied away from the football pitch so it is useful knowledge to have for everyday life.

Post match 'tidy –up'. Tidy the dressing rooms (if you have the luxury of having such a facility!), pick-up litter and discarded drinks bottles (kids eh?!) and re-unite at least one child with the tracksuit that has been left behind.

Support the team in a positive manner. It sounds like commonsense and, for most people, it is. Unfortunately there are always the few that are unsporting to the opposition, berate referees, criticise their own child and can even undermine their own child's manager. The list can go on and on, but the one thing that kids really want to do is enjoy their football; help and encourage them to do just that.

Become the team 'parent representative'. Many teams have 'parent reps'; the role is to not only help out, but to have an objective view of what goes on around the team. For instance, another parent may have concerns about how the team is run and might approach you for an informal chat rather than go directly to the manager; you might take some of the burden off the manager by attending club meetings in their absence. The role can be made to fit the specific circumstances; on a lighter note it could involve organising an end of season social event, a Christmas treat or driving a fundraising initiative to buy some important kit and equipment.