Start a Team

Essential steps to starting a FIRST Robotics Competition team:

Gather support resources

Familiarize yourself with FIRST Tech Challenge by checking out the materials on our website and social media pages. Then locate your region’s Program Delivery Partner or FIRST Senior Mentor. These people know the FIRST teams, participating schools, and FIRST-friendly businesses in your area. He or she can help you form a plan for getting your team funded, organized, and in touch with other teams in the area.

• Team Management Resources

• Contact Local Support

Enlist Coaches & Mentors

Each team needs two or more adult lead coaches/mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season and beyond. Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical skills, and other tasks. Most teams meet once to twice a week during the build and competition season, which typically runs from September through January depending on your region.

• Mentor Manual

Register and Pay

Once registered, your team becomes a part of the worldwide FIRST Tech Challenge community. You’ll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with a team number in preparation for event registration in the fall. Part of the registration process includes ordering the kit of parts and completing payment. (Please note that, until you click submit, you are not committed to becoming a team.)

• Create/login to your FIRST account

• Watch our step-by-step create a team registration walk-through video

• Check for available grants

Build your team

Find and invite students who want to be part of a robotics team. Be sure to emphasize that no technical skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Recruit all kinds of talents, not just engineering and electrical.

Fundraising & Grants

Your team will need to build a budget and fund their goals. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you. Some of them may already have a relationship with FIRST. We also have many fundraising opportunities you can explore, including grants for rookie teams.

• Sample Team Budget

• FIRST FTC Grants Page

• FIRST In Henrico FTC Grants Page

• Fundraising Toolkit

Learn about safety

At FIRST, student safety is always paramount.

• FIRST Safety Manual: An in-depth overview of safety awareness at FIRST events, in your team’s shop, and in everyday life.

• Youth Protection Program:  Every adult must become familiar with our Youth Protection Program (YPP). Take the time to watch our videos and read our youth protection materials.

Build Robots!

Part of the fun is designing and building your robot and FIRST provides a wealth of information. Find everything from technical guides, to fundraising ideas, or fun activities for your team.