Why should I coach in AYSO?

It's a chance to spend quality time with your child and it's fun. It's a great break from work. It makes you feel good. It's a great way to give back to the community.

The rewards come in the form of helping kids have fun at a game or practice, and contributing to their individual skills and teamwork. There is also a great sense of accomplishment when you reach the end of a season, look back and see how far the team has come.

I don't know anything about soccer. Can I still help coach?

Yes! AYSO provides training and materials. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have in addition to specific soccer knowledge. If you are uncertain, try being an assistant coach. Your Region's Coach Administrator will be happy to try to match you up with somebody with a little more experience. 

What is the time commitment of being an AYSO coach? Assistant coach?

Coaches run on average one weekday practice and a game on Saturday. Coaching in AYSO is all about teaching and encouraging kids, and having a lot of fun. Parents will help with the team's organization tasks. 

How do I become a coach?

You sign up to coach at registration when you register your kids to play.

If you have a child that is already on a team that has a coach, just let the coach know that you are interested in coaching and would like to help. Most of our coaches will be delighted to utilize you. Then you just register in the system as an assistant coach.

What training is provided for coaches?

There are two parts to coach training. One is an online course which covers team management, safety, volunteer protection and AYSO's principles. This course is known as Safe Haven. There is also age-specific training which covers soccer techniques, strategies and teaching ideas appropriate to the age group. These clinics are held online and on weekends, and vary from a half day to two days. You must attend coach training to be covered by the Volunteer Protection Act. 

What is Safe Haven^®

AYSO makes a commitment to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. The coach has a responsibility to help make the environment safe, as well as fun. To ensure the safety of both children and volunteers, each volunteer is required to take a short in-person or online-training session called Safe Haven™. It focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children as well as first aid and other on-field issues. Agreeing to a background check is also required for each volunteer.