Little League Football Officers' Manual

23 OPENING DAY

Refer to

New Leagues and some existing Leagues usually make their very first match day a special occasion, with an opening ceremony, important guests etc.

The format is decided by the League Management Committee, but the following pointers may be useful:-

As an alternative to your first League fixtures, you could consider holding a tournament with several games of ten minutes each way - this avoids a long wait for the players on third game.
Either way, agree the format and date well in advance (say two months) so guests may be invited in good time.
Invite Mayor and other useful council contacts, professional footballers or 'personalities', sponsors, etc. Invite local press, TV.
Ensure players arrive 30 minutes early.
Experience shows that Committee will need at least an hour to put up posts, nets, PA system etc and to marshal the players.
Parade of teams and referees (Managers must know exactly what teams have to do). Team name boards could be considered.
Brief the principal guest if speech expected.

Arrange

Some Leagues like to take team photographs (with Team Managers and Sponsors). Alternatively photographs could be arranged during the first few weeks of the season.