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NBYSA Coaching Info

Coaching Info

HELP! I Volunteered to Coach...What do I do?
 
Many first time coaches volunteer or are volunteered for the job. First things first…Relax.  Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these little soccer players.
  
Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players in training and in games.
  
How?
  • Talk to the Program Director at your club or Association and request helpful coaching materials, coaching aids, and advice.
  • Talk to other Soccer Coaches in the program or in your community who have worked with these age groups before.
  • Call the State Office and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids or visit their website at www.stxsoccer.org for an up to date list of scheduled coaching courses.
  • Call the State Director of Coaching or Director of Program Development about specific age appropriate coaching courses and age appropriate training materials.
  • Call US Youth Soccer at 1.800.4SOCCER or visit their web site at www.USYouthSoccer.org and request and/or order helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
First Steps:
  • IMPORTANT - Contact Your Players within 48 hours of receiving your team rosters.
  • Give them the day and time you will be having practice
  • Let the players know what they should bring to practice; proper size soccer ball (Size 3 for U8 and below, Size 4 for U9/U10), shin guards, water bottle, soccer shoes, etc..
  • Download and get familiar with the Rules of the game. Be sure to read the section of the rules that apply to your Age Group.
  • NBYSA does not supply goals for practice. If you would like to use a goal, pop up goals are available at sporting good stores.

Managing Your Team

Team Management:
Prepare a list of simple and clear rules for your players and their parents. Conduct a preseason meeting to review these rules with both players and parents, go over other important information about the season, and to complete important administrative paperwork prior to the start of the sesason.
 
Consider the following as discussion topics:
  • Schedules and locations for training sessions and games.
  • Drop off and pick up times for training sessions and games.
  • Player responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
  • Parent responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
  • Player equipment (#3 soccer ball, shin pads, soccer shoes or sneakers, water, appropriate clothing).
  • Coaching equipment (#3 soccer balls, 25-30 cones, 10 vests/pennies, basic first aid kit, small cooler of ice and zip lock bags).
  • Fill out program registration forms and medical release forms.
  • The procedure for canceling training sessions and games. Let the parents know to check the Field Status page on the NBYSA website for cancellations.
  • Your philosophy of coaching…it’s about player development, not winning and losing! 
Risk Management:
Provide proper age appropriate activities at training sessions and games.
Assure that training and playing areas are safe.
Make sure that all players are wearing the correct equipment and that it is appropriately sized.
Make sure that you are assisted by another adult when coaching the players (This includes the time when players arrive and when they depart from training sessions and games).
Create a plan for any medical emergencies/injuries.
 
Coaches must have their KidSafe Card visible at games and practices. If you do not have your card, you will not be allowed to coach until it is shown.

Coaching Resources

Risk Management Registration

All coaches are required to register for the Risk Management program before being assigned to a team.

Lightning Safety

Severe weather and lightning safety.

AAYSA Website

Alamo Area Youth Soccer Association

General Rules of Play

South Texas Youth Soccer Association General Rules Of Play

STYSA Coaches Handbook

South Texas Youth Soccer Association Registration Rules & Procedures.

STYSA Coaching Education

South Texas Youth Soccer Association Coaching Education and Resources

USYS Coaching Resources

US Youth Soccer Coaching Resources

FIFA Laws Of The Game

FIFA Laws Of The Game

National Soccer Coaches Association of America

The NSCAA works every day to inspire coaches and ignite their passion for the game so they pass it on to players and others in the soccer community.