Serves: 40–50 kids
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 80–90 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Let’s be real: most programs live or die based on the quality of their coaching. But what if you don’t have paid staff, licensed trainers, or a deep bench of soccer pros?
You can still run high-quality, consistent sessions if you structure your system around simplicity, clarity, and support. That’s what we’ve done at 703 Warriors. And after 18 months, 630+ kids, and hundreds of hours, here’s what works.
Step 1️⃣: One Volunteer. One Drill. One Focus.
Action: Assign each volunteer one station to run the entire session. The kids rotate, not the coaches. Drills focus on specific concepts like 2v1 decision-making, unstructured game, defensive overloads (2v3), first-touch control, and finishing under pressure.
The plan lives in a shared Google Doc, and each drill links to a Google Slide with diagrams, instructions, and coaching tips.
Pro Tip: Keep roles small and focused so volunteers can succeed on day one and every time they show up.
Challenge: If the plan isn’t crystal clear, the drill falls apart fast.
Step 2️⃣: Use a Training Coordinator (a.k.a. the Secret Weapon)
Action: Assign one person to walk the field, support stations, rotate groups on time, manage breaks, and step in when needed.
Pro Tip: Choose someone energetic, organized, and good with both adults and kids.
Challenge: Without a coordinator, the whole structure can fall apart quickly if any station slips.
Step 3️⃣: Prep Light, Communicate Tight
Action: Text volunteers the workout, arrival time, and location the day before. That’s all they need.
Pro Tip: Put the key info at the top: time + drill link. Keep it phone-friendly.
Challenge: Over-communicate and people disengage. Under-communicate and chaos ensues.
Step 4️⃣: Build a Volunteer Bench
Action: Keep 10–15 people in the loop at all times even if only 3–5 show up, you’re covered.
Pro Tip: A good system lets someone plug in last-minute and still crush it.
Challenge: Volunteers love to help but hate feeling lost. Set them up to win.
Step 5️⃣: De-Risk for Quality + Consistency
Action: Build a structure that makes average volunteers look like pros. One drill, clear role, real-time support.
Pro Tip: Pair new volunteers with experienced ones or have the coordinator float nearby.
Challenge: Quality suffers when the system depends on the person, not the process.
🔥 Final Thoughts
We don’t need whistles and licenses. We need adults who care and a system that sets them up to succeed. When a first-time volunteer says, “Wait, that actually went great,” you know it’s working.
⚔️ Ready to Start a Warriors Chapter in Your Area Code?
What we’re doing isn’t magic. It’s structure, culture, and community. If you’re fired up to serve kids in your city, we’ll help make it happen.
We provide:
- ✅ Fully built training plans + drill libraries
- ✅ Text-ready communication best practices
- ✅ Tournament registration support
- ✅ Player registration + waivers
- ✅ Guidance on fundraising and financial setup
- ✅ Ongoing mentorship and coordination support
You bring the heart. We’ll help with the rest.
📧 Reach out to start a local chapter: 703warriors@gmail.com
📍 About 703 Warriors
703 Warriors is a youth soccer club with an innovative model based in Arlington, Virginia. We use the game as a tool to build life skills, community, and confidence in kids who’ve traditionally been shut out of opportunity. Our programs are free, consistent, and built to meet families where they are.
We have a bold vision of replicating our model across other area codes.
🌐 Learn more: 703warriors.com
🙋 Volunteer with us: Volunteer Arlington