In order for our program to succeed, volunteers such as yourself are the cornerstone of the AYSO program and are the keys in promoting a FUN, FAIR and SAFE soccer experience for our children. All of us on the Coach staff look forward to an exciting season and would be happy for you to join us on the field and volunteer as a Coach this year.  

We can not form our teams for the upcoming season with out volunteer coaches to assign.   Contact our Coach Administrator if you're willing to help get our players onto the field.

Volunteer
AYSO is 100% volunteer operated.  Without volunteer coaches, your child does not have a soccer team.   NOTE:  All teams and volunteer positions require the same level of Volunteer clearance - it does not matter if you are a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Referee, Snack Shack Helper, Grounds Keeper, it doesn't matter - ALL Volunteers must complete the following steps:

1. Register as a Volunteer - when you register your child, also click on the Volunteer registration and Register yourself as for a Volunteer Role - select Head Coach, Assistant Coach, it doesn't matter - you all need to complete the same process.   

2. Complete Background Check and Live Scan Finger Printing.   Once you've completed the registration process your name will automatically be submitted for a Background Check Request.  There is a $25.00 upfront cost to have the background check completed through Steerling Service, however once you've completed the Volunteer Clearance Process you may submit your receipts for reimbursement and Region 89 La Mesa will reimburse you for this cost.

3. Login to AYSOU and complete California State Mandated and AYSO National required trainings:
     - AYSO Safe Haven
     - CDC Concussion Awareness
     - Simon's Heart Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
     - U.S. Safe Sport

Once you have completed these 3 steps you'll be cleared as an AYSO Volunteer and we can begin to assign you to a team (and more importantly your player to your team).  Again, we cannot form teams and assign players to teams without VOLUNTEERS.

 Training

AYSO offers unrivaled comprehensive training for coaches. Because the training is focused on the kids, our training is more than learning how to play soccer - it's a multi-dimensional experience.  Our mission to to provide a world class soccer program that enriches children's lives.  We strive to be player centric with emphasis on Good Sportsmanship and Player Development through Positive Coaching.

It is an AYSO mandate that all volunteers be adequately trained for age appropriate training they will be volunteering in.   The coach certifications are specific to the the age group and skill levels that you will be coaching.   Each certifications builds on the previous concepts, but all certifications provide you with a fundamental understanding of Coaching.

       U6 / U8 Certification:   This is our beginning level coach certification.  The course can be completed ONLINE through AYSOU and will
       cover the FUNdamentals of coaching small sided games (3 v 3, 4 v 4, and 5 v 5).   

        U10 Certification:  This is our novice - 1 level coach certification.  The course is a two part course involving an ONLINE component
        which can be completed through AYSOU as well as an In-Person Session.  The course will cover the basic technical skills and
        coaching 7 v 7 competitive soccer games.

         U12 Certification: This is our novice - 2 level coach certification.  The course is a two part course involving an ONLINE component
         which can be completed through AYSOU as well as an In-Person Session.  The course will cover more advanced technical skills,
         introduce basic tactical elements, and focus on how to manage and plan training sessions for your team to succeed.   U12 involves
         coaching 9 v 9 competitive soccer games.

         U14 - Intermediate Certification:  This is our intermediate level coach certification.  This is a two part course involving ONLINE pre-
         requisite courses which are completed through AYSOU before attending an In-Person Session.  The course will cover higher level
         coaching skills and roles / duties of a coach (Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Coaching Training Sessions, Coaching Games,
         Managing the Performance Environment, and Reflection).  U14 involves coaching 11 v 11 full sided competitive soccer games.

         U16 / U19 Advanced Certification:  This is our advanced level coach certification.   By this point in your coaching journey you have
         completed all of the previous coach certifications (U12 and Intermediate) and you're now coaching older, more competitive
         players.  Your role as a coach at this age is less about the technical and tactical (x's and o's) and more about Leading the team,
         Developing the Player, and Managing the performance environment.  You will work through the Coaches Cycle of Experience,
         Reflection, Development, and Application.  

Classes are held here in Region 89 as well as Area 11V (East County San Diego) and throughout California; however we strongly recommend you attend a class here in our Area/Region whenever possible. Some courses require preparation and is required and all course materials will be provided on the day of the class. Refreshments and Lunch will be provided at the all-day Intermediate and Advanced classes. We only request you bring appropriate Coaching Attire (Athletic Shirt / Shorts / Training Pants), Athletic shoes (no sandals), a ball, chair, sun-block, pen/paper, water, and a smile.

Completion of the appropriate Coaching Course either online or in-person for our older divisions, means that you are trained to Coach an AYSO soccer match. You will only be considered "Certified" upon proof of completion of the safe haven course and completion of your Volunteer application, complete with E Signature. We coordinate our training program with other local AYSO regions. If our training dates are not convenient for you, many of the other regions in the surrounding area offer similar courses that may better fit your schedule. We anticipate that there will be a number of classes from mid-June to mid-August that will be available to you as alternative choices. Once you are registered as a Volunteer you can access all training dates through the AYSOU program.

Costs

In AYSO there is no out-of-pocket cost in becoming a Coach. We only ask that you invest your time to help promote a FUN, FAIR and SAFE environment for our kids. Once you have completed the age appropriate class, you will be certified and able to receive your team Roster when available.

Once again, thank you to all who volunteer to Coach. We appreciate your commitment to our kids and the AYSO program and we will do whatever we can to make this experience as enjoyable and as rewarding as possible. See you on the field!

Coaches are encouraged to check the web site frequently for updates, announcements and other information.

Coach Equipment

Coach Shirts or Jerseys will be distributed just before the season begins, along with other goodies. Coaches: after the season kick-off meeting, you will pick up your Roster of players from your Division Manager, and can begin practices.

The Delight Of Coaching Your Own Child - AYSO Volunteers Discover The Magic Of Soccer Through Their Child’s Eyes

Here is a link if you’re not sure if you should coach your own child…what a great opportunity to spend quality time!! The Delight Of Coaching Your Own Child

Team and Volunteer Information Forms

ENTER THE INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING FORMS ONCE FOR EACH TEAM

• Team Information Form (Coach, Asst Coach, Team Parent info)

• Team Volunteers (referees, snack bar, field setup / takedown, etc...)

  Coaching Links

• Region 89 Tournament Coach Resource Page. Click on the above link if you are coaching a Tournament / All Star team and need information / resources to help you through the tournament season.

• AYSO Help Page. A good resource for AYSO published material, including program notes from Section meetings of coaching programs.

• The Coaches Manual - https://ayso.thecoachingmanual.com - a wealth of practice sessions for all ages.

• Pill's Drills. At the bottom of the page there are hyperlinks to age appropriate drills.

• Soccer Coach-L Soccer Manual. A good resource for inexperienced and experienced coaches.

• Bruce Brownlee's Soccer Coaching Notes. Another good resource for coaching materials on the Internet.

• Decauter Sports Soccer Drills. This one is particularly good because there are some pages with video samples showing dribbling moves.

• Soccer with Pele. Some soccer tips from the master himself. FineSoccer.com A good resource for drills, plays and coaching tips.