Some Tips about Soccer Coaching Articles | Soccer

If not for the thousands of volunteer youth soccer coaches available over the United States today, a large number of children who enjoy playing soccer would not have any options for organized play.

Volunteer coaches are the backbone of youth soccer but the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) emphasizes the necessity of educating every coach on the rules of play, safety, and more. It is for this reason that they offer a national coaching program together with the National Coaching Commission of Youth Soccer.

The job that youth soccer coaches have is special. It is their sole responsibility that every young and aspiring soccer star understands how the game is played and leaves every playing ground after having fun, learning about teamwork and enjoying the game in an atmosphere and which is safe and educational at the same time. What this entails is that these volunteer coaches should be given the needed training and certifications that they need in order to give these youths the experience that they require.

The American Youth Soccer Organization offers training on a variety of levels: U-6; U-8; U-10; U-12; intermediate; advanced; and national. The U-6 through U-12 training classes is offered as stand-alone courses with no pre-requisites. They are usually either offered to all coaches at a nearby school, or may (in more rural areas), be combined with other areas as a one-day course on a regional or even state level. The time needed to complete the standard AYSO coaching training is as follows:

• U-6: 2 hours
• U-8 2 hours
• U-10 3 hours
• U-12 5 hours
• Intermediate 15 hours
• Advanced 18 hours
• National 56 hours

• Correct play.
• Appropriate drills.
• Tips for dealing with children (and their parents).
• Discipline.
• Team procedures.
• Safety issues.
• Equipment.
• And more.

Who then can become a soccer coach? Well, anyone who is above the age of 18 and who has successfully completed all the required training and certification processes in their local leagues and the necessary criminal and child-clearance checks required, may register as a volunteer coach by most local league standards. Nobody can or should be turned away by virtue of their age as long as they are 18; race; political or religious affiliation. No other formal soccer training or soccer experience is required by them

If you require some more information about becoming a soccer coach in the location where you reside, you may contact your local youth soccer league, Regional Coach Advisor or call the American Youth Soccer Organization at 1-800-872-2976. They should be able to place you in contact with the necessary local league advisors and supply you with all the coaching information and requirements that you need.