Coaching FAQ

What is involved in being a coach? Assistant coach?

I don't know anything about soccer. Can I still help coach?

What training is provided for coaches?

When are the coach clinics?

The Coach section has more about coaching.

A: Coaches run two weekday practices and a game on Saturday or Sunday, teach and encourage kids, and have a lot of fun. Parents help with team organization tasks. There is some administrivia, but not much.

Q: I don't know anything about soccer. Can I still help coach?

A: Yes indeed. We provide training and other materials. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have, in addition to specific soccer knowledege. If you are uncertain, try being an assistant coach. The Coach Administrator will be happy to try to match you up with somebody with a little more experience.

Q: What training is provided for coaches?

A: There are two parts to coach training. One is an online course which covers team management, safety, volunteer protection, and AYSO's principles. There is also age-specific training which covers soccer techniques, strategies, and teaching ideas appropriate to the age group. These clinics are held on weekends, and vary from a half day to two days. You must attend coach training to be covered by the Volunteer Protection Act. There is more about coach training in the coach pages.

Palo Alto AYSO runs a number of clinics, and there are additional possibilities in clinics put on by other AYSO regions in the area.

Q: When are the coach clinics?

A: Most clinics are in August and September. The full schedule is posted on the coach pages, clinic calendar.