Region 1408 Coach F.A.Q.
What is the minimum age to be an AYSO Coach?
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 can’t ever be left alone with players and can’t be listed on the official roster.
When do I practice?
Whenever you want. It's your team. (If another parent wants to dictate the practice schedule, they should have signed up to be a coach!) Of course, if you set practices for 3pm, don't expect everyone to make it. Find a time that works best for you, but be mindful of other families' work/school schedules.
How often do I practice?
Again, this is up to each coach. Typically the younger divisions (U6 and below) practice once per week for an hour. Older divisions often practice twice per week at the coach's discretion.
When are games?
Games in the Spring season occur once per week, March through May -- each team plays roughly 9 or 10 games (depending on Division). Games are on Saturdays.
What are the game formats?
- Playground-U6: 4v4, no keepers, small pop-up goals. 10 minute halves (Note: Scores and Win-Loss records are not kept)
- U8: 5v5 20 minute halves (Note: Scores and Win-Loss records are not kept)
- U10: 7v7. 25 minute halves
- U12: 9v9. 30 minute halves
- U14: 11v11. 35 minute halves
- U16: 11v11. 40 minute halves
- U19: 11v11. 45 minute halves
What size ball do we use?
- Playground-U8: Size 3
- U10-U12: Size 4
- U14+: Size 5
What size fields and goals do we use?
- Playground/U6: 30yd x 20yd, Pugg goals
- U8: 50yd x 30yd, 6' x 18' goals
- U10/U12: 80yd x 40yd, 7' x 21' goals
- U14-U19: 110yd x 60yd, 8' x 24' goals
I'm thinking about being a Head Coach... BUT...
I have no time to coach.
That's exactly WHY you should coach. As a coach, you set your own practice schedule. You can choose a time that fits your family's schedule.
I have little-to-no experience with soccer.
No problem! We provide you with coaching clinics and classes prior to the start of the season based on the age level you are coaching. You will also be given an easy to follow manual with simple instructions and an explanation of AYSO philosophies and regulations. Unique age-appropriate coach training is one of AYSO's specialties.
I don't know what to teach or how to run my practices.
I don't have any coach equipment.
That's not an issue! We supply you with equipment you need like cones, balls, pinnies, and more!
I don't know how to register or get certified to be a coach.
We can help you with that too. You can become a coach in three simple steps:
- Sign-up / register on this website to be a Head Coach
- Complete two, short online courses at AYSO University (aysoU.org) -- AYSO Safe Haven™ and Concussion Awareness
- Attend an in-person, age-specific coaching Certification course. You can register for these through aysoU.org. (Find a day that fits your schedule. You can take this course from ANY AYSO Region.)
Okay, you talked me into it. After I sign up to volunteer, what do I do next?
Don’t panic. This isn't the world cup. If you can make kids laugh, you're qualified.
Don’t be mad at your significant other if they volunteered you without you knowing about it.
Your next step is to complete your two online courses (if you haven't before), and obtain your age-specific Coach Certification. (See above)
Also, read the Laws of the Game. Watch a few games on TV. Talk to your friends or anyone you know who is or has been a coach before.
Always remember you can contact the Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator or your Division Coordinator for support and advice. We are all part of a team, we’re here to help one another for the benefit of the kids.
I still have questions.
You may reach out to the Region 1408 Coach Administrator