Reasons to be a Head Coach
- Set your own practice schedule. Pick the days and times that work best for your family. If you coach multiple teams, put them back-to-back, so you can avoid the dreaded "practice every night of the week" syndrome of having multiple coaches.
- Select your own volunteer (Referee, Asst Coach, Team Parent) and "lock" the player associated with that volunteer on your team
- Choose from a menu of free coaching equipment
- Head Coaching multiple teams? We will make sure your games do not overlap. Never miss a kid's game!
- Free Coach T-Shirt -- going for hundreds of dollars in the black market
- Coaching kids is incredibly fun!
- Virtue signaling! Post on Instagram of you coaching your team, and watch the likes roll in!
I'm thinking about being a Head Coach... BUT...
I have no time to coach.
That's exactly WHY you should coach. As a coach, you set your own practice schedule. You can choose a time that fits your family's schedule.
I have little-to-no experience with soccer.
No problem! We provide you with coaching clinics and classes prior to the start of the season based on the age level you are coaching. You will also be given an easy to follow manual with simple instructions and an explanation of AYSO philosophies and regulations. Unique age-appropriate coach training is one of AYSO's specialties.
I don't know what to teach or how to run my practices.
We've got your covered! In 2021 all Region 114 Coaches receive FREE, PREMIUM ACCESS to The Coaching Manual website/mobile app, which includes tailored season plans for every week and every practice, developed by certified coaching experts.
PLUS through our partnership with First Touch Coaching, you have access to free weekly sessions where they will coach your teams with age-appropriate skill activities. You can participate or watch while you learn how easy and fun it is to coach your players.
I don't have any coach equipment.
That's not an issue! We supply you with equipment you need like cones, balls, pinnies, and more!
I don't know how to register or get certified to be a coach.
We can help you with that too. You can become a coach in three simple steps:
- Sign-up / register on this website to be a Head Coach
- Complete two, short online courses at AYSO University (aysoU.org) -- AYSO Safe Haven™ and Concussion Awareness
- Attend an in-person, age-specific coaching Certification course. You can register for these through aysoU.org. (Find a day that fits your schedule. You can take this course from ANY AYSO Region.)
Okay, you talked me into it. After I sign up to volunteer, what do I do next?
Don’t panic. This isn't the world cup. If you can make kids laugh, you're qualified.
Don’t be mad at your significant other if they volunteered you without you knowing about it.
Your next step is to complete your two online courses (if you haven't before), and obtain your age-specific Coach Certification. (See above)
Also, read the Laws of the Game. Watch a few games on TV. Talk to your friends or anyone you know who is or has been a coach before.
Always remember you can contact the Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator or your Division Coordinator for support and advice. We are all part of a team, we’re here to help one another for the benefit of the kids.
When are practices?
That's up to you. Practices have to be at Heartwell Park West (between Woodruff and Palo Verde), but otherwise the day and time are entirely up to you as Head Coach -- that's the big benefit of stepping up to volunteer as a coach.
I still have questions.
You may reach out to the Region 114 Coach Administrator