Find A Club
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Many first-time coaches volunteer or are volunteered for the job. So, first things first…relax. Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these young soccer players.
Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players while training and during games.
So I Volunteered to Coach, a presentation by Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching
How do I do that? There a many available resources.
Talk to your club’s director of coaching or contact the WYS Director of Coaching and ask about coaching materials and coaching aids.
Talk to other coaches in your club who have worked with your assigned age group.
Use this website to find helpful coaching resources, coach certification courses and training materials. See the links to the left!
Visit the US Youth Soccer web site at USYouthSoccer.org for more resources and to purchase coaching materials and coaching aids.
Tips to Manage Your Team:
Learn the rules and responsibilities and your club and of Wyoming Youth Soccer
Prepare simple and clear rules for your players and their parents, including player and parent responsibilities. Find out if your club has a member code of conduct.
Determine required player equipment, such as a #4 or #5 soccer ball, shin guards, soccer cleats or sneakers, a water bottle, appropriate clothing for Wyoming weather
Find out about the club’s uniform requirements
Put together a coaching kit, including #4 or #5 soccer balls, 25-30 cones, vests/pennies in two colors, a basic first aid kit, small cooler for ice, and zip lock bags
Develop a schedule, with locations, for practices and games, including drop-off and pick-up times
Have a pre-season team meeting to:
Review the team rules and responsibilities
Make sure you have player/team contact information and have parents review it
Complete all club required paper work, registration forms and medical consent forms
Discuss your communication method for canceling or changing practices and games
Discuss your philosophy of coaching. If you don’t have one, always remember that it’s about player development, not just winning and losing!
Risk Management:
Provide age appropriate activities at practices and games.
Assure that practice and playing areas are safe, including the goals and equipment
Make sure all players wear the proper equipment and that it fits correctly
Always have another adult with you when coaching the players and during the time when players arrive and depart after practices and games.
Create a plan for any medical emergencies/injuries. Be sure you always have signed consents for medical treatment and current parent/guardian contact information
US Youth Soccer Coaching Manual
USSF Best Practices Manual
Additional Recommended Reading