Starting a FIRST LEGO® League Team

Costs

A general estimate of principal costs for a new team is $800, and $400 for returning teams. Principal costs do not include extras such as team buttons, shirts, travel, etc.

Participation in an FLL event is not included in registration costs and it is not guaranteed. Tournament registration typically opens in mid-September. The event participation fee will vary from event to event, but is generally $50-$150 per team.

Please note that all costs may vary from season to season.

Anyone can form a team. It can be a school classroom, after-school program, extracurricular group, home school, neighborhood kids, a club, or civic organization. A team consists of three to 10 kids, ages 9-14 (16 outside of U.S. and Canada), and at least one adult coach.

• To be eligible, a child cannot be older than 14 on January 1 of the year the Challenge is announced. For example, if a child turns 15 in May of 2008 they are eligible to participate in the 2008 season, whereas a child who turned 15 in December 2007 would not.
• A child can only be a team member on one team. A child is not allowed to be a member on multiple teams.
• Any single coach can be the coach for multiple teams. For example, a teacher could be the coach for multiple teams in their classroom.
• For a number of reasons, it is difficult for us to match an individual with a pre-existing team. Typically, we encourage interested individuals to consider forming their own team.

 FIRST Mentor Coach Checklist offers detailed information including:

• Average meeting time
• Suggestions for mentorship resources
• Team dynamics
• Roles and responsibilities

Coaches receive the entire Coaches' Handbook in their Team Registration Packet after registering. The Coaches' Handbook is just one of many resources you have as a coach. Other resources include the team forum where you can talk with other coaches, FLL team support at headquarters, and the FLL Operational Partner in your area.

What You Need To Get Started

Besides eager kids and a willing coach, teams require a place to meet and a few needs within that site. A team needs:

• Room to meet as a group
• Space for the 8'x4' playing field
• Secure storage for robot set, mission models, and partially assembled robots
• Computer & internet access for programming and research
• Valid e-mail address for the Coach to receive info from FLL throughout Challenge season

Refer to FIRST Mentor Coach Checklist for detailed information.

How To Register 

Now that you have your questions answered, here's how to become an official team! Know that while an individual coach can coach multiple teams, an individual child can only be on one team. Refer to FIRST Mentor Coach Checklist for detailed information.

Step 1: Visit the FIRST LEGO League website to learn of available resources (The "Start A Team" link provides a step-by-step process)

Step 2: Determine a Coach or main contact for the FLL team. Get their e-mail address and other contact info.

Step 3: Determine where you want your FLL kit to be shipped.

Step 4: Gather your payment information and billing address.
If paying by credit card, statement and billing address must match.

Step 5: Register your FLL Team on the FIRST Inspires Dashboard by selecting "CREATE NEW TEAM". Registration typically closes by mid-September and is triggered when all slots are filled.

NOTE: you will sign up for tournaments separately with information sent from Montana State University.

Apply for funding

Apply for national funding

Visit the FIRST website for information on Team Grants

Apply for in-state funding

The Gianforte Family Foundation is happy to support robotics clubs in Montana, as opportunities for youth to get excited about coding and computer science.  We encourage youth robotics clubs in Montana to apply for annual sponsorship grants of $1,500, or no more than 25% of the club's annual budget, whichever is less.

 If a club applies for sponsorship, a decision can typically be provided to them in four weeks or less.

 Process to Apply - Clubs applying for standard sponsorship can now apply via their website under the Robotics Club Sponsorship program.  

1. Log in to the application portal from our website, where you see two processes - the General Grant Program A (old application process) and the Robotics Club Sponsorship.  
2. Please use the Robotics Club Sponsorship application going forward.  

 The Gianforte Family Foundation hopes that this funding will allow more Montana clubs to get started or grow their membership, reaching more youth.