Help players to get to know each other

One player starts on each of the sides of the bigger square. The other players, in the middle, have a ball each. They must pass the ball to someone on the outside, then go and receive it from a different outside player, before dribbling the ball through the middle square and doing the same again.

The added social challenge is that, when players exchange balls, they must also exchange names, or another thought or fact, as suggested by the coach. 

These can be as basic or as silly as you want – from a player’s favourite food or school subject to favourite noise. You can mix these up as the session goes on, while also mixing up the soccer challenges.

For example, rather than passing the ball to an outside player and going to get another one, the inside player may pass and then swap positions with the outside player.

The second is a movement activity, with players moving around an area in ways directed by the coach – for example, jogging, knees up or heel flicks. 

Then, at various points, ask players to find another player, jump up and high five them, and say something – their name, or favourite food or school subject again. 

At the end, ask if anyone wants to share the most interesting thing they learned about someone during the activity.

I find that, if the social aspect is integrated within the movement aspect, it means players aren’t too focused on either one, and are therefore more free to participate.

That being said, they shouldn’t be obligated to take part in the social element should they not want to.

Allow for player leadership

This works particularly well in games-based activities or small-sided games.

Can you, for example, ask the players to sort out their team or formation using a whiteboard and pen? In order to do so, they will have to talk to each other, exchange names and, dependent on age, discuss preferred playing positions.

Louder, more confident voices may take over, while some of the quieter, shier players may shrink to the back, so be aware that some intervention from you may be required.

You can also incorporate things like tactical discussions, or team talks, during games or activities. These can be manipulated to get certain players together – different units, or different sides of the pitch, for example.

"Louder voices may take over, so some intervention from you may be required..."

Switch up partners and groups

Often, you will find that players will gravitate to certain others whenever you ask them to get into partners or groups.

Don’t be afraid to be more directive with this by choosing the partners or groups yourself.

This can be arranged so that players work with, and get to know, others they may not have formed a bond with yet.

The other option is to incorporate activities that don’t require partners or groups.

Build in casual chat time

Allow time for players to just be – whether that’s kicking a ball around or catching up.

This is easily built in over the course of a session – at the start, the end, during water breaks, or even during moments when you are setting up the next activity.

Don’t shut down moments of connection

As coaches, we often spend our time asking players to be quiet or "listen up".

Often, this is the right thing to do – when we are explaining a practice or an idea, we want the group to be listening and watching so that they understand.

It is important, though, that we don’t jump in too quickly.

I know I have been guilty of telling players off for talking when one was asking the other to tie their shoelace, or was explaining a part of the practice the other didn’t quite understand. Both are examples of moments of bonding that I could have let run.

Let them get to know you

As with everything we do as coaches, it starts with us. We set the tone.

We can’t really expect players to get to know each other and be themselves if we aren’t doing it. So, don’t be afraid to be yourself and open up about things, whether that’s your favourite food or your other interests.