As coaches, we all want our players to get better—but here’s the truth: team practices alone aren’t enough. Players need consistent touches on the ball at home to reach their potential.

 

That’s why the Anytime Soccer Training Team Contest is such a powerful tool. It’s built into the technology, it motivates kids through recognition, and it helps create a culture of accountability between coaches, parents, and players.

 

 

Why Extra Touches at Home Matter

Getting more touches on the ball outside of practice is one of the biggest predictors of long-term improvement. With short daily sessions:

 

  • Players get hundreds of extra touches in just 15 minutes.
  • Muscle memory improves, making skills automatic in real games.
  • Confidence grows because practice at home removes the fear of making mistakes.
  • Technical development accelerates far beyond what’s possible in two team practices per week.

 

When kids train at home, they don’t just get better—they show up at practice sharper, more confident, and ready to contribute.

 

How It Works

The Anytime Soccer Training Team Contest adds structure and fun to home training:

 

  • The Team Challenge – If the group hits its training target, everyone wins.
  • The MVP Award – The individual who completes the most videos gets recognized.

 

Watch this video to learn more:

 

 

This dual system is important:

 

  • It builds teamwork because every player contributes toward the team goal.
  • It rewards consistency rather than just talent.
  • It creates excitement because kids can track progress together.

 

Tip: Recognition matters more than the prize. Kids love being called out by their coach or teammates—it makes them feel proud and motivated to keep going.

 

Adding a Pledge for Extra Accountability

While the Anytime Soccer Training Team Contest is built into the technology, one powerful way to build commitment is to have parents and players sign a participation pledge.

 

This does two things:

 

  • It sets clear expectations that players will commit to consistent at-home training.
  • It gets parents involved, ensuring they encourage their child and support the process.

 

Here’s a simple pledge you can customize and use:

Request Form:
Team Contest Pledge

The form includes space for 25 players and parents to sign, making it easy to integrate into your team culture.

 

Tips to Motivate Kids to Train at Home

Training at home doesn’t have to feel like homework. Here are some proven ways to keep kids motivated:

 

  • Set Small, Achievable Goals – “Do 10 juggles” is more motivating than “practice for an hour.”
  • Make It a Game – Turn footwork into a contest: who can do the most repetitions?
  • Recognize Effort – A shoutout from the coach or a captain’s armband goes a long way.
  • Keep Sessions Short – 10–15 minutes daily is better than one long session weekly.
  • Get Families Involved – Parents can rebound passes, time dribbles, or even join in.

 

Fun Prize Ideas ($10–$20)

The prize doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to be fun. Here are five kid-friendly ideas:

 

 

Bonus: Free Rewards That Matter

Sometimes free rewards mean the most:

 

  • Team Captain for the Week – Wear the armband with pride.
  • First Pick in Scrimmage – Start practice with the winner choosing teams.
  • Coach’s Spotlight – Public recognition in front of teammates.
These cost nothing but carry a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts

The Anytime Soccer Training Team Contest isn’t just about extra touches—it’s about building a culture of accountability, teamwork, and recognition. By combining:

 

  1. Short, focused home training
  2. A contest that makes it fun
  3. Parent-player pledges for accountability
  4. Fun, affordable prizes and free rewards

 

…you’ll see your players train more consistently, enjoy the process, and develop the technical foundation they need to succeed.

 

Want to learn more? Request a FREE Demo and see how the contest can transform your team’s culture.