Guide to Good Match Preparation

For training sessions prior to a match, ensure you arrive on-time and are correctly dressed for the weather.

Listen carefully and endeavour to carry out the instructions of the manager and/or coach to the best of your ability. If you are unsure about a particular situation, then the training ground is the ideal place to ask.

If you want to give of your best on match day itself:

• Get enough sleep the night before. Tiredness and the various implications of such,
  produce more adverse displays than any other preparatory aspect of junior football.
• Ensure you have a good quality, high energy meal a couple of hours prior to
  the match. Empty stomachs lead to empty minds.
• Drink plenty of water in the few hours before a match - especially on a hot and
  sunny day. Dehydration can strike quickly and without warning, even when the
  weather is cool and cloudy. If water is not provided for you at the match, bring
  your own.
• Arrive on time and with suitable outer clothing to combat the weather of
  the day. This may include hats and gloves on cold days, sun hats and sunscreen
  on sunny days, and raincoats and brollys on wet days.
• Report to your manager or coach any injury or illness you may be carrying upon
  your arrival.
• Look smart and feel proud. Your boots should be clean, and your kit clean &
  pressed. Tuck shirts into shorts and keep socks rolled-up.
• If you are not allergic to them and you have permission to use them, take
  advantage of any external applications that may be there to help you, such as
  vaseline and vapour rub for instance.
• Visit the toilet if required. The match won't stop whilst you pay a visit !
• Once the manager and coach seek your attention, listen, absorb what is being
  said to you. Ask if you are unsure about anything.
• Warm-up purposefully. Go through the routines your manager/coach has set
  for you in a diligent way.

Focus yourself. Adopt a positive attitude. Play with a smile.
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