Coach Training Is Another Strength Of AYSO
AYSO has unique practical, free training for coaches from U6 to Advanced Coach. If you are interested in volunteering to become an AYSO coach, follow these steps:
- Register as a coach volunteer (see our Becoming a Coach page) and complete the background check form (you will get an email).
- "The big 4" safety certs. Complete SafeSport training, and take the AYSO Safe Haven, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and CDC Concussion training on AYSOU. This training is offered online and must be taken by every AYSO volunteer. Please complete "the big 4" prior to attending any in-person coach training course.
- Register and take one or more of the coach courses listed below. 8U and below may be completed entirely online. Coaches 10U and above are required to attend field training (half day), though all are encouraged to. 12U and above must attend an in-person training.
For in-person training, once you find a course and date that works for you, register for the course at AYSOU. Log on to AYSOU with the account you created in step 1 above.
Coach Training Courses
Playground/Schoolyard Soccer Program Leader (for Introduction to Soccer coaching)
6U Coach
8U Coach
AYSO - 8U Official *
10U Coach **
12U Coach (Online Part 1 + In-Person Course Part 2) ***
Intermediate Coach 14U Online Part 1 + In-Person Part 2 ***
AYSO - Advanced Coach (16U-19U) (Part 1) - Online Pre-Course
AYSO - Advanced Coach (16U-19U) (Part 2) - In-Person Course ***
* Not technically required to be fully certified, but 8U coaches are often responsible for officiating their own games. This course is extremely helpful.
** To be fully certified, must also attend an in-person field training, usually labeled "10U/12U Field Training" or something similar.
*** The online course is expected to be completed prior to attending the required in-person course, which will included field training.
As a final note: it is generally recommended that coaches take referee training as well, even if they don't intend to volunteer as a referee. Becoming a certified referee required in-person training, passing tests and completing assessments. Coaches are busy and often cannot commit that additional time. The coursework, however, is all online and may be completed at one's own pace without ever intending to take the additional step of becoming fully referee certified. Understanding the laws of soccer and how they are applied at the various development stages makes for a more well-rounded and effective coach. Most coaches find that it makes their experience more rewarding as well.