Learn about FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a world-wide organization that promotes STEM through robotics for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school. Watch these short videos to learn more about their mission and how it works. ​
Know the Team Basics
To start a FLL Challenge team, you'll need...
  • A team of up to 10 kids in 5th - 8th grade ~ all skills levels are welcome!
  • At least 2 adults to be coaches (technical experience is not required)
  • A space to work and store parts (could be as small as a box and a table or as big as a garage or spare room)​
Hear from 10-year coach, Adam Rizika, about his experience heading elementary school, middle school, and high school teams. ​
​Learn more about FLL Challenge here. ​
​Create a FIRST Account
As a coach, you will need to make a FIRST account to register your team, access coaching resources, purchase parts, and more.  Go to the FIRST website for additional information, create an account and sign up.  
​Congratulations! You've got a team!
What are you waiting for? Organize a team meeting and get going! A great place to start is by watching the challenge video for this year and brainstorming some possible designs and strategies. FIRST also has some great tutorial videos on Youtube that you could check out to get ideas. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and have a blast! You got this!
​Check out our resources for coaches page to see the supports we've compiled. We know being a coach is not easy! If you have any questions or concerns, the Brookline Robotics Initiative is here to help! Just email us at [email protected].
If for any reason the BRI does not get back to you within a couple days, call Adam Rizika the executive Director at 617-233-6205.
Found a great resource that's not on our list? Let us know at [email protected], so we can add it. Your fellow coaches will thank you! :)