As a soccer captain, you will wear the captain's armband and take part in the coin toss at the start of the game and before penalty shootouts. Officially, this is where your responsibilities end. According to FIFA's Laws of the Game, the captain of a team has no special status or privileges but he has a degree of responsibility for the behavior of his team. Beyond these laws, however, your position as captain is vital and your responsibilities will contribute to the success of your team.
Be a Role Model
To be a successful captain, you must serve as a role model for your teammates. According to the Keelby United Football Club website, a captain should lead by example, although that doesn't mean he has to be the most skilful player in the team. You need to show passion and a desire to win, but you also need to display discipline both on and off the field. Be on time for training and always play within the laws of soccer.
Encourage
Your coach or manager will probably do most of the talking before a game and during half time. On the field, however, you are the voice of encouragement. If morale seems low, talk to your players and give them confidence, something that you should always display yourself.
Communicate
Communicate with your players at all times. Off the pitch, you should be willing to talk and listen to your teammates. During a game, it is your job to ensure that players adopt the correct tactics as decided by your coach. If a teammate is drifting out of position or not making the correct runs, you should have a quick word with her to rectify the situation.
Take Responsibility
Never blame a teammate for a poor result. As the captain, you must be able to take responsibility for the failure of the team as a whole. You are the leading figure on the field of play, so you must take the blame as much as any other player.
Team Building
Building a unified team is a group effort, but you and your coach are central to creating a strong unit. Build strong relationships with both the players and coaches, even if they are not necessarily your friends. Respect is vital within a team. Respect your teammates and they will respect you, and the team will work better as a unit.
Referee Interactions
Part of your role involves interacting with the referee during a game, particularly when disciplinary issues arise. As the team captain, the referee will ask you to manage your players, perhaps asking you to warn or calm down a hotheaded teammate. According TheFA.com, the referee will call you over when he needs you to be involved in a discussion with a player, even if you were away from the incident.
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