Why Coach?

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.

How old do I have to be?

You must be 18 years old or older to be an AYSO coach. Though AYSO appreciates and encourages young people to participate in all aspects of soccer including coaching, an individual under 18 years of age may not be listed as the head coach or assistant coach on the official roster due to liability issues. They can certainly assist in training and even make decisions regarding the team, but may not ever be left alone with players and may not be listed on the official roster.

Do I have to be trained?

Yes, AYSO requires you to hold an age specific certification or higher. This means that if you coach in the U6 division, you must hold an U6 certification, etc. Here are the levels of certifications that you must hold in order to coach.

U6 - U6 Certification
U8 - U8 Certification
U10 - U10 Certification
U12 - U12 Certification
U14 - Intermediate Certification
U16/U19 - Advanced Certification

Training is offered at different times throughout the year through Region 50 and other regions throughout the state.  Online and In-Person trainings can be found at AYSOU which is accessed through your ayso50.org profile.  To access AYSOU you must first be registered to volunteer.

Coaches must also complete the following courses:

• Safe Haven
• CDC Concussion Awareness
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• SafeSport (external training)

Are Coaches paid?

No. AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, so all coaches are volunteers. As are all of the board members, referees, team managers and everyone else who works hard each week to provide a quality soccer experience for the kids.

Can anyone be an assistant coach?

We only allow two coaches during a game - a head coach and one assistant coach per team. As of 2011, all assistant coaches must have the same age-level training as the head coach of the team.

I've never played soccer before; can I still coach?

Absolutely. Our training classes cover everything from the rules to the basic fundamentals. At the younger age levels, youth soccer is about creating a fun environment for the kids to learn the game.

Will I be able to coach my child's team?

Yes. All coaches are guaranteed to be assigned to their own child's team.

What should I do if I'm having problems with the coach?

If a serious problem should arise concerning the coach, the parents should talk with the coach in a calm manner and try to work out the problems like adults, away from the players (preferably this meeting will be done outside of practice or games). If no solution can be reached, the parents should contact the Division Commissioner. If the problem persists, set up a meeting with the Coach Administrator, Division Commissioner and Coach. Problems can usually be solved through effective and timely communication.

My child doesn't get along with their coach, can they change teams?

No. Discuss the problem with your child and the coach and try to resolve the problem between yourselves. It is almost impossible to move players between teams after they have been formed.