How a new law made captains of my U10s

The start of the 2024-25 season saw a new mandatory item added to the match kit, after the captain’s armband was included as a requirement by the sport’s lawmakers, IFAB, in the updated Laws of the Game.

 

Previously, captains identified themselves to the referee before the game, and, marked on teamsheets where used, but an armband wasn’t compulsory.

 

As co-managers of an U10s girls team, we saw this as a good opportunity to explore the idea of leadership with the players. 

 

We set about thinking how to make it ’meaningful’ for both the individual player and the team, so what started as a simple rule change became a lesson in learning how to raise each girl’s voice, no matter how quiet or bold.

 

The timing aligned with our switch from 5v5 to 7v7, which brought new players, bigger pitches and new dynamics.

 

We wanted to avoid a popularity contest within what has become a solid ‘outside of school’ friendship group. And we knew we wanted the captaincy to rotate on a weekly basis, to give all the girls a chance to try out how leadership feels, within a fun and safe space.

 

For the first game, a friendly against the other girls’ U10s team in our club, we gave our goalkeeper the armband.
 

Vocal and passionate, with a clear eye on how Mary Earps has proudly led England from the back, she stepped into the role, and told us how she felt a sense of responsibility towards her team-mates, wanting to make sure everyone was acknowledged for their contribution.

 

But we realised we hadn’t outlined what was expected in the role. So, in the next match, we made it clear the position came with duties, including taking part in the coin-toss to determine who kicks off and which goal to attack, and leading the cheers for the team at the end of the match. That was a step in the right direction.

 

So, what else could we do to ensure the role has a positive impact on both the individual and the team?

 

We stated each girl must be captain at some point. Now, at the end of each match, they work together as a team to decide who will be captain next time. 

 

The choice has definitely been influenced by a stand-out performance in the game, but has also been made based on wanting to give quieter players a chance to step forwards and raise their voice a bit more.

 

Has it caused upset among those not being chosen? A little. But, so far, there have been no arguments, and everyone seems comfortable knowing they will get to be captain at some point. With 11 in the squad, the wait is not unbearably long.

 

We also added a third duty for the captain. They lead the team’s post-match discussion, and share with coaches the one thing they think they did well as a team, and the one thing they think the team should focus on in the next match to be even more successful.

 

Is it perfect? No. Do the louder voices sometimes still talk over a quieter captain? Yes. But, this clear and simple weekly task allows us, as managers, to make space for the captain’s voice to be heard – hopefully, empowering each girl to know that their opinion matters.

 

And what impact has been seen or felt at the girls’ level? Well, there is pride in being chosen, nervousness about taking on the opportunity, and a growing sense of collective support for each new ‘leader’.  

 

Once everyone has had their turn, we’ll ask for their feedback and how they want to design the role going forwards. After all, this is about more than just soccer. It’s about learning to own their growth, on and off the pitch.