Starting an FLL Team

Getting Started

It is very easy to get started with FLL! First, you need to find a group of kids interested in participating. Teams can consist of 2-10 members, ages 9-14. You can form a team from any group of interested kids, after-school programs, neighborhood groups, youth organizations, or just a group of friends.

Next, you need to find an adult coach. You don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to be a coach! Teachers, parents and technical professionals all make great coaches. The coach’s role is to assist the team in independent learning - not to directly assist the team in the problem-solving process.

Finances

Annually, a team needs about $300 to register as an FLL team ($200 FIRST registration, $65 field kit, $35 tournament registration). Also, a new FLL team needs an additional $365 to purchase a Mindstorms kit - this can be reused every year. If your team is just starting, we advise you to purchase the new Minstorms NXT kit ($365). If a team member already has a Mindstorms RCX kit, you are welcome to use that. You may want to purchase an extra motor and some sensors, however.

Registration

There are two steps to registering as a new FLL team. You need to register with FIRST, which is where you order your field kit and pay your FIRST registration fee. National team registration is open from May 2 to Sept. 30. To register with FIRST, go to www.register4fll.com. The second step it to register to attend the Iowa Championship event. Iowa Championship registration will be open later this fall.

Questions?

The staff at ISEK is always willing to answer your questions! Feel free to email us at fll [at] iastate [dot] edu