Why Coach?
For the kids! Coaching gives your child and other kis an opportunity to play that they may not have without you! 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'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.
What if I lose all on my games as a coach?
Let's face it most people love to win, but success/failure as a coach is NOT defined by wins and losses, but rather player development on and off the field. It is as important to teach players how to deal with loss as it is to be good sports when they win. Did your players have a good time/experience? Did they improve through the season? Will they come back? If yes to any of those, you have been successful as a coach!
Will I be able to coach my child's team?
Yes. All coaches are guaranteed to be assigned to their own child's team.
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.
Can anyone be an assistant coach?
YES, anyone can become an assistant coach. Since 2011 AYSO has required all assistant coaches to have the same age-level training as head coaches.
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.