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.

6U - 6U Certification
8U - 8U Certification
10U - 10U Certification
12U -  12U Certification
14U - Intermediate Certification (pre-requisite: certified in 12U and coached 12U for one season.)
16U/19U - Advanced Certification (pre-requisite: certified in intermediate and coach in 14U for one season.)

Training is offered at different times throughout the year through Region 32 and other regions throughout the area. For Region 32 training, please check our  calendar.

In addition to the coaches certification, each coach must take the Safe Haven Certification course, concussion certification, cardiac arrest, Safe Haven and get a live scan.

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.