• The boys’ or girls’ team prepares for an important district match.
• A match is decided by a late goal, penalty kick, or key defensive stop.
• A goalkeeper records a shutout or reaches an important milestone.
• A player scores multiple goals or makes several assists.
• The team begins or extends a winning streak.
• The team responds after a difficult loss.
• Players prepare to face a longtime rival.
• A younger player earns a starting position or takes on a larger role.
• A senior prepares for a final season or final home match.
• An injured player works to return to competition.
• The team adjusts to a change in formation, lineup, or strategy.
• A player reaches a career goal, assist, or save milestone.
• The team qualifies for the playoffs or advances to another round.
• A player receives district or postseason recognition.
• The team demonstrates unusual improvement during the season.
• A student balances soccer with academics and other activities.
• Team captains or experienced players mentor younger teammates.
• A behind-the-scenes look at preparation on match day.
• The boys’ or girls’ team completes a memorable season.
• A coach or player explains an important soccer skill or strategy.

Pay attention when:

• An important district match or tournament is approaching.
• The team changes its formation, lineup, or playing style.
• A player earns a starting position for the first time.
• A player is approaching an individual milestone.
• A goalkeeper records several shutouts or makes an unusual number of saves.
• A team begins a winning or losing streak.
• Several matches are being decided by one goal.
• The team repeatedly comes from behind or holds narrow leads.
• A player returns after missing matches.
• Younger players begin taking on important roles.
• A senior is approaching a final home match.
• The team’s playoff position depends on an upcoming result.
• A rivalry match has special importance.
• Players or coaches are talking about a major improvement or persistent challenge.
• The team accomplishes something it has not done recently.
• A player receives an award or postseason recognition.
• A match includes an unusual turning point, controversial call, penalty kick, or dramatic finish.
• Something happening during practice helps explain the team’s performance in matches.

You will not necessarily ask every question below. Select the questions that fit your story and ask follow-up questions whenever an answer is unclear or incomplete.

Who was involved?

• Which team and team level competed?
• Which players had important roles in the match?
• Who scored, assisted, or made a key defensive play?
• Who played goalkeeper?
• Who provided leadership on the field?
• Who entered the match and made an impact?
• Who helped the team prepare?

What happened?

• What was the final score?
• What were the most important moments?
• What goals were scored, and how were they created?
• What saves or defensive plays changed the match?
• What strategy or formation did the team use?
• What adjustments were made during the match?
• What went especially well?
• What did not go as planned?
• What does the result mean for the team’s record or standings?

When did it happen?

• When and at what time was the match played?
• When were the goals scored?
• When did the momentum change?
• When did the team begin preparing for this opponent?
• When is the team’s next match?
• When will playoff qualification or advancement be determined?

Where did it happen?

• Where was the match played?
• Was it a home, away, tournament, district, or playoff match?
• Where did the most important play develop on the field?
• Where does the team practice?
• Where will the team play next?

Why does it matter?

• Why was this match important?
• Why was a particular strategy or formation used?
• Why was a lineup change made?
• Why was a particular goal, save, or defensive play important?
• Why did momentum shift?
• Why has the team improved or struggled in a particular area?
• Why does this result matter to the district standings or playoff race?
• Why was this match personally meaningful to a player or coach?

How did it happen?

• How was the match decided?
• How was each goal created?
• How did the defense limit the opponent?
• How did the goalkeeper affect the outcome?
• How did the team respond after scoring or allowing a goal?
• How did weather or field conditions affect play?
• How did the team adjust during the match?
• How did preparation influence the result?
• How will the team prepare for its next opponent?

Depending on the story, consider interviewing:

• Boys Soccer Coach Ben Powell
• Girls Soccer Coach Catherine Landua
• The player who scored or assisted on an important goal
• The goalkeeper
• Defenders involved in key stops
• Team captains or other student leaders
• Players who entered as substitutes and affected the match
• A player reaching an individual milestone
• A new varsity player or first-time starter
• A senior playing a final season or home match
• A player returning after an absence
• Players directly involved in the story
• Other coaches or school employees involved with a particular match or event

Whenever possible, talk to the players who actually experienced the story. The coach can provide official information, strategy, and context, but players can explain what they saw, how they reacted, what was difficult, and what the moment meant to them.

Before writing or producing the story, collect:

• Correctly spelled names of everyone involved
• Each student’s grade level
• Each student’s position and team level
• The correct opponent and official event name
• Date, time, and location
• Whether the match was home, away, tournament, district, or playoff competition
• The final score
• The score at halftime, when available
• The team’s updated overall and district records
• The team’s current district or playoff position
• Names of goal scorers
• Names of players credited with assists
• Goalkeeper saves and shutout information, when relevant
• When the goals or other decisive moments occurred
• A clear explanation of how the match was decided
• Important strategy or lineup changes
• At least one useful quote from a player involved
• Comments from the appropriate coach
• Useful photographs or video from the match
• Photographs or video of preparation when relevant
• Names of everyone identifiable in photographs
• Information about the next opponent and match

For a match story, collect more than the final score. The score tells readers what happened; the key plays, decisions, reactions, and interviews explain how and why it happened.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have the correct spelling of every name?
• Do I know each student’s grade level, position, and team level?
• Did I clearly identify whether I covered the boys’ or girls’ team?
• Do I have the correct opponent, date, time, and location?
• Have I confirmed the final score?
• Do I have the team’s updated overall and district records?
• Do I know who scored each goal?
• Do I know who assisted or helped create the scoring opportunities?
• Do I understand the most important saves or defensive plays?
• Can I explain the turning point?
• Do I understand the strategy or adjustments that affected the match?
• Did I talk to players who were directly involved?
• Did I get a strong quote—not merely “It felt good” or “We played hard”?
• Did I speak with the appropriate coach?
• Do I have useful photographs or video?
• Did I identify everyone shown in my photographs?
• Can I explain why this result matters?
• Do I know what happens next?