'The Heart' of AYSO
Coaches are the heart of the AYSO; the key to player development in character, sportsmanship, and skills. Coaches spend the most time with the players. Coaching 6 yr and older children requires that you commit to two practices per week and a game on Saturday. We appreciate the time that our coaches commit, and provide them with advice, assistance and support to make their coaching experience successful.
I don't know anything about soccer.
Can I still coach?
Definitely, depending on the age group. AYSO has been teaching and enabling parents for 50 years to coach their kid's team. AYSO provides tremendous support and focused, fast-track training. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have, beyond specific soccer knowledge. If you are uncertain, be an assistant coach to start. The Division Commissioner will be happy to match you up with a coach with more experience. Try and Buy! If you are really uncertain, then sign up for the training clinic, and afterward decide whether you want to be assigned to a team. Even if you decide not to coach, the training for a few hours will be fun and you will know more about the game your kids are playing.  | I Should Coach
What training is provided for coaches?There are two parts to coach training. One is an online course which covers team management, safety, volunteer protection, and AYSO's principles. This takes 40 minutes. There is also field training which covers soccer techniques, strategies, and teaching ideas appropriate to the age group. These clinics are held on a weekend, and vary from a half day to two days, depending on the age group of the team you are coaching. You must attend coach training to coach in Palo Alto AYSO. There is more about coach training in these coach pages.
When are the coach clinics?
Most clinics are in July, August and September. The full schedule is posted on the clinic calendar. |