Apply to volunteer

The first step is to register as a volunteer. This will start your background check. Go ahead and let AYSO pay for the background check — it’s built into the program budget.

Coach Training

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 the soccer is the easy part.

Coaches take a class every two years 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).

Coaches, like all AYSO volunteers, have several training requirements mandated by federal and state laws to ensure player safety and protection. Nearly all of these requirements must only be completed once, with the exception of the annual volunteer application and background check. 

Which class do I take?

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 and Advanced Classes have experience and class-based prerequisites.

How do I schedule my class?

All coach training is scheduled through eTrainU, 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 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 SCA
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	full season as 12U coach
16U-19U	Teenagers, game analysis and planning	Advanced Coach	full season as Int. coach