FIRST^® Tech Challenge teams design and build a robot using a reusable kit of parts and compete within a common set of game rules to play an exciting field game and complete the specific season challenge. The robot game changes every season and is always a blast!

Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST^® Tech Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills.

Essential steps to starting a FIRST^® Tech Challenge team

Team Registration
First time participating teams / Rookie Teams are strictly requested to kindly first register on the international website https://www.firstinspires.org/. You will then receive an International Team Number for your team which you will have to enter in this registration form.

• Team Registration

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

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

Build your team
Find and invite a few students (maximum 15) 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.

• Mentor Manual

Review Mentor and Team Resources
Part of the fun is designing and building your robot and FIRST^® provides a wealth of information in our Resource Library to help you. Find everything from technical guides, to fundraising ideas, and helpful build videos.

• Team Management Resources
• Robot Building Resources
• Robot Programming Resources
• Connect with the FIRST^®  Tech Challenge Community

FIRST^® does not match youth to existing teams due to our privacy policy. Teams form in local communities and recruit as needed. We encourage those looking for a team to contact local schools, libraries, or youth organizations that may have a team in place or an interest in starting one. An online search may also be helpful, as some teams share contact information through websites and social media pages.