Two weeks before the tournament

Confirm details: Dates, locations, match times, opposition names. Get it all in writing. Assume nothing.

Communicate with parents: Send a document with: dates/times, where to meet, what to bring (shin guards, kit, snacks), parking, field directions. Answer questions before they ask.

Plan your squad rotation: You might play 4–5 matches in 2–3 days. Manage player fatigue. Plan roughly who starts match 1, who comes on. This prevents last-minute decisions.

One week before

Technical prep (light): One normal training session. One match simulation (small-sided game). Nothing heavy. You're not trying to improve; you're trying to stay sharp.

Psychologically prep (important): Talk about the tournament's purpose. Is it competitive (we're trying to win)? Is it development (we're testing players)? Is it social (we're representing the club)? Clear intent reduces anxiety.

Tournament week (day-by-day)

Day 1, match 1: Start your strongest available players. You want to win match 1 (confidence). Give bench players 10–15 minutes if possible. Don't burn out starters — you have more matches coming.

Match 2 (same day if back-to-back): If match 1 was easy, rotate 4–5 players out. If it was hard, rest your best players for 30 minutes. Manage fatigue intentionally.

Overnight between matches: Recovery matters. Make sure players eat, hydrate, sleep. Brief massage/stretching if available. No training — rest only.

Semi-finals / Finals: Play your best available players. Rotation is over. You want these wins.

Injury and illness protocol

Minor injury (twisted ankle, muscle strain): Ice it, strap it if needed, give 24 hours rest. Reassess the next day.

Concussion (any head contact, disorientation): Out immediately. No return-to-play same day. This is a legal and safety issue. Be strict.

Illness (fever, vomiting): Out of the tournament. Don't risk spreading it. Don't risk their recovery.

If you're unsure, sit them out.** Tournament wins aren't worth a serious injury.

Logistics checklist

  • [ ] Team sheet printed (player names, numbers, parents' contact)
  • [ ] Medical kit (tape, ice, bandages, painkillers, water)
  • [ ] Spare kit (goalkeeper gloves, extra shin guards, extra bibs)
  • [ ] Snacks and hydration (bring double what you think you need)
  • [ ] Timekeeping device (watch or phone with accurate time)
  • [ ] Receipts/payment confirmation for the tournament
  • [ ] Copy of tournament rules and schedule
  • [ ] Know the location of nearest medical facility

After the tournament

Brief debrief with the squad (win or lose): "You represented the club well. Here's what we did great. Here's what we'll work on next." That's it. Save detailed analysis for next week's training when emotions have settled.