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Congratulations on deciding to become a youth soccer coach! It may very well be the most rewarding activity you’ve done with your child in a long time.

All coaches (including assistants) are required to complete a few basic steps:

  1. If you haven’t already, complete the coach application so you can select desired practice times, coach pairings, etc.
  2. Register as a coach in Sports Connect (FKA Blue Sombrero). This needs to be done before every season.
  3. Complete the Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest courses on AYSOU (AYSO Online University). For first time users, find instructions here. Both courses are found under the Online Courses menu option. These courses only need to be completed once (NOT every season).
  4. Register for and attend an age-appropriate coaching course (in-person for 6u and above; 5u is online). For Fall 2020 season, all coach training is online only. Once you complete 6u (for example) you don’t need to take 6u again. When you move up to 7u, you will need to complete the 8u course. That 8u course is good until you move up to 10u (and so on). Classes are offered in Ladera before each Fall. If you cannot make that date, you can sign up for a course in a surrounding city. You will not incur any costs for these sessions (even if one is listed). Instructions for finding coach courses on AYSOU can be found here.

Once you’ve done these things you are certified to coach your respective age group. You can verify each of the steps above is complete by following this checklist.

If you’d like to go the extra mile:

  1. Feel free to peruse this site. It has a lot of content directed at new coaches. As a new coach don’t feel overwhelmed, the most important bits will be highlighted in periodic emails during the season by our coach mentors.
  2. Inquire about obtaining a dedicated coaching mentor. They are more than happy to provide guidance, even helping you with your first couple practices
  3. For 8u and below coaches, consider taking the Summary Laws of the Game AYSOU course to learn about the basic rules of soccer. For 10u and up coaches, consider signing up for the regional referee course to learn about the Laws of the Game. Knowing the rules (referred to as “Laws” in soccer) will instantly make you a more effective coach. You’ll be so glad you didn’t put this off until later
  4. If you are new to the game of soccer, no problem! Start here!

If you are already a USSF certified coach, please see the cross certification page here.