Becoming A Coach
The AYSO Coach teaches children soccer skills and helps them develop a healthy, positive attitude, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coaching is a rewarding experience because you have the opportunity to build a child's self-esteem, help them learn new skills, make friends and have a lot of fun. Coaching your child's team can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all! AYSO will teach you to use unique age-appropriate training through its Certification Classes.
AYSO Coach Certifications
| Age Group | Coach Certification Requirements |
| All Divisions | - Register annually as a Coach volunteer at www.ayso214.org
- Complete AYSO's Safe Haven at www.aysou.org
- Complete CDC Concussion Awareness training at www.aysou.org
- Complete AYSO's SafeSport training at www.aysou.org
- Complete AYSO's Sudden Cardiac Arrest training www.aysou.org
- Complete the state of California's fingerprinting process via a regional Live Scan event
|
| Fall Season | All Star Season | Tournament / EXTRA Season |
| U5 | Coach Orientation | N/A | N/A |
| U6 | U6 Coach | N/A | N/A |
| U7 | U8 Coach | N/A | N/A |
| U8 | U8 Coach | N/A | N/A |
| U10 | U10 Coach | U10 Coach | U12 Coach |
| U12 | U12 Coach | U12 Coach
Regional Referee | Intermediate Coach
Regional Referee |
| U14 | Intermediate Coach | Intermediate Coach
Regional Referee | Advanced Coach
Regional Referee |
| U16/U19 | Advanced Coach | Advanced Coach | Advanced Coach |
The requirements for a named Assistant Coach are equivalent to the requirements for Coach. Safe Haven Coach Certification
All AYSO Coaches must complete the Safe Haven certification. This ensures that the well-being of the child is placed first, the philosophies of AYSO are understood and teaches the coaches risk management to avoid putting themselves in positions hazardous to themselves and the children. It is also part of the requirements to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act.
Age-Specific Training - U6, U8, U10 and U12 Coach Certifications
These four coaching courses focus on working with the player in these age divisions to create a fun learning environment. Coaches in U6, U8, U10 and U12 must have the age specific coach certification for the age they are coaching. There are no substitutes nor will higher level courses satisfy the requirement. These courses have no pre-requisite and may be taken individually or in any order.
Intermediate, Advanced and National Coach Certifications
These upper level courses build upon each other, thus a coach with the Advanced Coach certification may also coach teams needing only the Intermediate Coach certification. However, these do not confer the age-specific certification needed to coach U6-U12. A coach who holds an Intermediate Coach or above certification and wishes to coach in U10, must also hold a U10 Coach certification. U14 coaches must have at least the Intermediate Coach certification. U16 and U19 coaches must have the Advanced Coach certification. The National Coach certification is for coaches who desire to further advance their skills and offer a greater level of support to their region.
Cross certification from USSF
For coaches who hold a USSF license and a substantial coaching history, cross certification is available. Unfortunately, we do not offer cross certification from NSCAA diplomas, FA levels or other organizations at this time. Coaches with the USSF Youth Modules may apply for U6-U12 certification. Those holding a USSF 'E' license may apply for the Intermediate certificate, and those holding a USSF 'D' license or higher may apply for the Advanced certificate. Applicants must be recommended by the Regional Commissioner and the area and section coach administrators before the application packet is sent to the AYSO National office to be approved by the AYSO National Coach. Please contact your Regional Coach Administrator for more information. The full procedure is described in the AYSO Reciprocity Equivalency Agreement.