1. Make it a shared football agreement
A useful commitment agreement describes the environment the team is trying to create and the behaviours that help it happen. It should not be presented as a legal contract, a replacement for club policy, a consent form or a way to bypass safeguarding procedures.
Children should have an age-appropriate voice in the commitments that affect their football. England Football’s listening guidance encourages clubs to involve children in creating environments they find fun, safe and inclusive.
2. Build the commitments in the right order
- Start with the club’s existing policies, codes and required safeguarding routes.
- Ask players what helps them enjoy, learn and feel part of the team.
- Ask parents what information they need to support the weekly routine.
- Explain the coaching principles behind selection, positions and playing time.
- Turn the discussion into a short set of observable commitments.
- Share the draft, correct misunderstandings and record the agreed review point.
3. Use a three-way commitment
| Players commit to | Parents and carers commit to | Coaches commit to |
|---|---|---|
| Try, listen and support teammates. | Reply to availability requests by the agreed deadline. | Prepare age-appropriate football activities and decisions. |
| Arrive ready to take part where possible. | Give positive support and avoid sideline coaching. | Explain the team approach and communicate changes clearly. |
| Respect teammates, opponents and officials. | Respect officials, players and coaching decisions. | Treat players fairly and review participation patterns. |
| Ask a trusted adult when something is unclear. | Use the agreed route and time for football questions. | Listen to players and provide an appropriate route for questions. |
| Help care for shared equipment and spaces. | Support the practical routine agreed with the club. | Follow club, competition and safeguarding requirements. |
4. Explain coaching decisions without promising agreement
Buy-in does not mean every parent or player will agree with every formation, position or substitution. The coach’s commitment is to use a stated football approach, communicate respectfully, listen at an appropriate time and correct patterns that conflict with the agreed principle.
- Describe the selection and playing-time principle before the season starts.
- Explain what information influences football planning and what remains private.
- Do not compare one child’s private circumstances with another’s.
- Provide a calm route for questions away from immediate post-match pressure.
- Keep disciplinary, safeguarding and complaint processes in their official club routes.
5. Review whether the agreement is being lived
A signed page has little value if the weekly experience contradicts it. Revisit the agreement after the opening weeks and at a sensible mid-season point. Ask what is clear, what is difficult and what needs to change, then publish the revised football expectations through the club’s approved route.
Printable player, parent and coach commitment template
- Our team exists to provide: ________________________________
- Players will: ______________________________________________
- Parents and carers will: ____________________________________
- Coaches will: ______________________________________________
- Our attendance and availability routine is: __________________
- Our playing-time and position principle is: ___________________
- Football questions should be raised through: _________________
- Safeguarding or welfare concerns use the club’s official route.
- We will review these commitments on: _________________________
How Grassroots Coach can help
Grassroots Coach can support the football routines behind the agreement: squad records, session attendance, match availability, teamsheet periods and match records. It is not a contract-signing tool and should not hold safeguarding, medical, welfare or disciplinary case information.
Official sources
Rules-dependent guidance was checked against these primary sources. Confirm the latest FA, league and County FA position before delivery.
- The Grassroots Code for adults in youth footballThe Football Association · checked 20 July 2026 · review by 20 January 2027
- Listening to children guidanceEngland Football · checked 20 July 2026 · review by 20 January 2027
Keep the plan and the football record together.
See the relevant Grassroots Coach workflow, or return to the Coaching Resources hub for another practical guide.