I am a believer in positive influence to get the players to respond to your teachings. I believe in being firm, but fair and I believe the kids appreciate this. I think it is important, especially early in the season, to reward the players for their hard efforts during the month of August. I have found that no matter age level the kids are at, they love PIZZA!
This tradition I have done for 20 years and it has been a big winner. Once you have been working with your youth football team for about three weeks it s time to reward the kids. After 4 weeks of five days a week practice the kids are tired and ready for their first game. I like to have this pizza party after a practice the week before our first game. I usually have this the same day I pass out uniforms.
A parent will usually be able to pick up the pizzas for you and bring them to the field. I serve juice boxes and use paper plates and napkins. I make sure the field is clean after we are done. I like to have the players spend some time together and this is one of the best bonding experiences of the year for the kids.
Don't forget you assistant coaches! Make sure you get enough pizza for them as well as the appropriate beverages. By appropriate I mean NO ALCOHOL, especially on the field near the kids. There is no place for beer or any other alcohol.

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