Why Coach?

For the kids!  Coaching gives your child and other kids the 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. You're never alone on the field—Division Commissioners, the Coach Administrator, and Board members are here throughout the season to offer guidance, answer questions, and make sure you have what you need to succeed.

What if we lose all our games?
Let's face it, most people love to win, but success or 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 show good sportsmanship 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 at least 18 years old to be an AYSO coach. However, we absolutely welcome youth volunteers to support coaching and training efforts. While they can assist coaches and help make team decisions, they cannot be listed on the official roster and must always be supervised by an adult coach. Youth volunteers may never be left alone with players.

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.

Ready to join the coaching fun?
Learn more about how to become a coach here.