5 Ways to Show Your Team Captain You Appreciate Them

November 27, 2024
By Rachel Gonzalez

‘Tis the season to be thankful, and we know, as Socceristas, there is a lot to be grateful for. Between coaches and soccer parents, the soccer community is huge and important, but let’s talk about how to show your appreciation for those unsung heroes–your team captain. Everyone receives love and appreciation differently, so here are a few options to show your captain how much they mean to you this season.

Personalized chant

If your captain loves attention and affirmation, get together with the rest of your team and come up with a chant or cheer just for your fearless leader. Sound off whenever your coach does something inspiring during the game or to hype everyone up when you need it. Make it silly or write it to the tune of your captain’s favorite—just make it something special.

A card or gift

We are on the cusp of gift-giving season, so you’ll be able to find plenty of inspiration for this one. And who doesn’t love a card? Give your gift-loving captain a little treat and a few kind words from the team. Even a little thing like a friendship bracelet or making a card by hand will be a special little touch to show you care.

All the hits

Just give your captain a few of their favorite things. If you’re a team that does pump up music, play only your captain’s favorite songs. If your captain has drills they love that they never get to do, work with the coach to make it happen. Essentially, just give your captain whatever they want every now and then.

Team outing

A quality-time captain wants nothing more than to be with their team on and off the pitch. This can be as simple as a team sleepover, in-house spa night, or even a nice team dinner that doesn’t have to follow a game but still involves carbo-loading. Do something you know your captain loves, and whether or not you want it to be a surprise is up to your team.

Do it without asking!

This one is simple: if there are things that your coach always asks your captain to do or things your captain always asks you to do–just do them. There’s nothing an acts of service person loves more than not having to ask for something to get done. Whether setting up or breaking down practice equipment, complaining a little less about conditioning, or bringing that extra roll of pre-wrap, you can do many things to make your captain’s life a little easier.