Soccer Captain Responsibilities

Two soccer captains at the pre-match coin toss (photo © isafmedia, flickr.com)

If you want to be a soccer captain, or if you’ve already been chosen as captain of your team, you’ll need to know what duties and responsibilities are expected from the role. Here you’ll find a list of the main soccer captain duties, both on and off the field of play.

Soccer Captain Roles and Responsibilities

• Start the Game: Before the start of each game, it’s your job to walk to the center of the field to meet the referee and the opposing team captain. Here, you’ll toss a coin to determine in which half of the field each team starts. If you win the coin toss, you get the choice of ends.

• Penalty Shootouts: If you’re playing in a knockout competition, your team might have to play a penalty shootout. A coin toss will decide who takes the first kick -- once again, the coin toss is in your hands.

• Communicate With the Referee:  A soccer captain is the voice of his or her team during play. It’s your job to communicate with the referee, listening to his concerns and complaints. If one of your teammates displays aggressive or unsporting behavior, the referee might ask you to get him or her to calm down. In this way, you are responsible for your team’s actions on the field.

• Keep Your Team Organized: Your coach will expect you to keep your team organized once the game has begun. Make sure your teammates follow the game plan; if a player keeps on moving out of position, don’t be afraid to let him know.

• Motivate Your Team: Great captains are also great motivators -- both on and off the field. If one of your teammates is unhappy, try to give him some encouragement off the field. During the game, try to motivate your players as much as possible. Always be positive, even if you are losing by a goal or two. If the captain loses hope, so will the team.

• Lead by Example: Your players will only listen to you if they respect you. You must always work as hard -- if not harder -- than your teammates. You must train hard and give your best in every game. Always be on time for practice sessions -- you can set a good example by always being the first person to arrive for practice sessions.

• Lift the Trophy: Here’s the best bit of being a soccer captain: if you win a cup or trophy, you’ll be the first to receive it. You have helped lead your team to glory, so it’s only fair that you get to be the first to touch the prize! 

Do you have any question about the soccer captain role? If you do, feel free to ask in the comments box below.