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Free Guide

How to start a youth soccer club

A complete checklist to take you from idea to first practice: 27 steps across 4 phases.

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1

Foundation

Weeks 1-2

Define mission and age groups

Choose and register club name

Set up business entity (LLC)

Consider 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for tax exemption

Get EIN from IRS

Open club bank account

Register with state soccer association

2

Operations

Weeks 2-4

Secure field space

Get club insurance (general liability + participant accident coverage)

Recruit 2-3 coaches

Complete SafeSport training (required for all coaches and volunteers)

Run background checks on all coaches and staff

Set registration fees

Create registration forms

Set up payment collection

3

Launch

Weeks 4-6

Build club website

Announce registration

Host tryout or open practice

Order uniforms and equipment

Set up communication channels

Plan first 4 weeks of training

Ensure all coaches have US Soccer grassroots license (free)

4

First Season

Run first practice

Register for league or tournaments

Send first parent communication

Collect all waivers

Schedule parent orientation

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Plan your club finances

Use Centro's Budget Calculator to estimate your startup costs, and the Fee Calculator to set registration prices.

Centro handles registration, payments, scheduling, and communication, so you can focus on coaching

Half of this checklist disappears when you use Centro. Registration forms, payment collection, waivers, website, and parent communication. All built in.