Learn more about being a coach in AYSO Region 13
Please read our Coach Handbook for more information and guidance about coaching in Region 13.
Region 13 will teach coach classes for 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U on August 17 and 24 in Altadena, CA. Sign up through eTrainU. Note that you should read through the online version of the class before coming to the in-person part. That will save everyone a lot of time.
Coach Training
Coaches, like all AYSO volunteers, have several training requirements mandated by federal and state laws to ensure player safety and protection (that is the list noted above in “Required for all volunteers.” Nearly all of these requirements must only be completed once, with the exception of the annual volunteer application and background check, and refresher SafeSport courses. In addition to those training requirements, coaches must take a course for the division they intend on coaching.
AYSO has the nation’s only accredited coach education program. The foundation of these classes is that kids’ psychological, emotional, and social development are the basis for learning. If you lead with that, and let the kids be kids, then soccer is the easy part. Coaches take classes that certify them to lead a team. Classes focus on age-appropriate skills, strategies, and tactics for players; for example, a typical 5-year-old is not yet ready to pass to teammates, so the focus is on teaching that 5-year-old to dribble and kick the ball toward the goal. (Exception: 6U and 7/8U have different classes, but the 6U one is short anyhow).
- Annual volunteer application (InLeague)
- Annual background check (InLeague)
- Livescan
- Safesport (Online)
- AYSO Safe Haven (Online)
- CDC Concussion Awareness – Online (Safe Haven Training Library)
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Online (Safe Haven Training Library)
- Coach Certification – division specific (Scroll down for a schedule of upcoming in-person Coach Certification classes)
For more information on how to access all of our Volunteer training please see the Volunteer Training FAQ.
Which class do I take and how do I enroll?
See the table below. While many coaches take classes in order (starting with 6U), there are no prerequisites for 6U, 8U, 10U, or 12U classes. The Intermediate (14U) and Advanced Classes (16U-19U) have experience and class-based prerequisites. All coach training is scheduled through AYSOU, and classes are available in Region 13 and surrounding areas (e.g., Arcadia, Glendale, South Pasadena, etc.). You can take a specific class anywhere in the nation if you want, though we encourage you to take classes in Region 13 if possible since instructors often include Region 13-specific information.
| Age | What’s new | Class to take | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6U | Run and kick the ball toward the goal | 6U Coach | Background check Safe Haven SafeSport LiveScan Concussion Sudden Cardiac Arrest |
| 7U, 8U | Get and keep possession (screening, passing) | 8U Coach | |
| 10U | Gain and protect territory; wide vs compact | 10U Coach | |
| 12U | Deception and restraint; position-specific jobs | 12U Coach | |
| 14U | Specialization, developing and executing training | Intermediate Coach | 1 “season” as a 12U coach (can be Fall or Spring) |
| 16U-19U | Teenagers, game analysis and planning | Advanced Coach | 1 “season” as Intermediate coach (can be Fall or Spring) |
USSF certification – A USSF D license transfers to AYSO Advanced Coach. Send this form to the Region Commissioner for approval.
For more information on how to access Volunteer training please see the Volunteer Training FAQ.
Upcoming in-person Coach Certification Classes
- Jul 19 – La Habra – 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U/Intermediate, 16U/Advanced
- Jul 26 – Long Beach – 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U
- Aug 2 – Cypress, South El Monte – 8U, 10U, 12U, El Monte only – 14U/Intermediate, 16U/Advanced