HOME Football Answers Football COACHING Q&A

Under 8's Captaincy - is it right?

I've got a player who is commanding, brilliant at spreading the play, and is no doubt my best player in my under 8's 5 a-side team. I've decided most times that he's going to be captain. The question is, whether or not you think it's right to give the captaincy to just one player? How do you guys organise yours? Rotate it? Have just one? Give it to the best trainer that week?

Oliver PerkinsCoach, England

3 answers

TOP ANSWER

Football CoachCoach

Hi Oliver,

My view, What real role does a captain play at age 7? Its alll about player development so I would just rotate captaincy as it gives a thrill to that player each week, There are no tactics at this age so I dont belive the captain does anymore than toss call.

ANSWERS

Football CoachCoach

Hi Oliver,

Paul ZambonCoach, England

I agree with Guys comment. I rotate the captaincy every week, regardless of ability.

At U7 and U8 the true role of a captain is meaningless. The children just love the idea of being captain, they get to take part in the toss up at the start and lead the handshake and hip, hip horays at the end of the match. Its a good way of ensuring you keep things as inclusive as possible.

Similarly I have chosen not to have a man of the match award as there is too much spread in technical ability, emotional and physical maturity to actually make it meaningful so why do it. I think it ends up more as bragging rights for parents really so I just dont go there. All I want is for each child to do the best they can.

Just my two penneth.

duane Coach, England

Hi Oliver

we are now at u10`s and i still rotate my captain...

we present a MOTM award/trophy after each game and the winner of this also gets the captains armband for the next match.

The boys love it.

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 500+ football drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Football

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_football

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Set Piece Defending: Should Your Team Use Zonal or Man Marking?

Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching

First Touch Under Pressure: The Skill That Separates Levels

A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching