So, you want to start an FLL Team but are overwhelmed by the information. Do not fear we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to start an FLL team. In this article, we will tell you what to do and when to do it, we even will give you and your team links and resources. Remember, feel free to ask our team any questions and we will do our best to answer them. 

1. Find Coaches and Mentors: Seek out adult volunteers who can serve as coaches and mentors for the team. Coaches should have a background in STEM or robotics and be willing to guide and support team members throughout the season. You must have at least one main coach and one co-coach to run a team. Additionally, if you want a mentor (RECOMMENDED) reach out to FLL alumni, or just shoot us an email:)

2. Recruit Team Members: Identify interested students who are passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and robotics. Remember FLL is not only about robotics, you also need people who are creative for the Innovation Project. Consider reaching out to schools, community organizations, or friends to recruit team members. The ideal number of people for an FLL team typically ranges from 6 to 10 members. 

3. Fundraise: Once you have a team and coach raise approximately $1200 for the first year and then $500 each year after that, it is time to register.

4. Registration: To start visit the official FIRST website linked here for the registration page and here to create an account. On the site create an account; and register as a coach or team administrator. Provide information about your team, including the team's name, location, and contact details. Once done, pay the $250 registration fee for your FLL team using the online payment system on the FIRST website. REMEMBER: Submit all the necessary permission forms, and background checks. 

5. Purchasing Materials: You will need to purchase several items to participate in the competition. Here is a simple list of what to buy and an estimated cost breakdown for starting an FLL team:

   1. SPIKE PRIME ROBOT KIT: You will need to buy this kit plus the expansion pack which comes out at $540 without tax. You can buy them from here & here.

   2. MISSION/MAT: This is the set of missions and the mat that your robot will eventually play on. It can be bought during registration and costs $95 without tax. 

   3. OTHER: You will need to budget around $150-300 for other items. These include team shirts, presentation materials, supplies to build the board on which the mat and mission will sit, etc.

After you do these basic steps, you can start meeting twice a week to start your FLL journey. If you need any help at this stage, as we have stated please give us an email and we will be happy to help. If you need more resources also contact us and we will help you.