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Pacifica AYSO 157

BECOMING A COACH

Become a Coach: Make a Difference in a Child’s Life

Coaching children is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have—especially when coaching your own child’s team! Coaches play a vital role in delivering the full AYSO experience. Without enough coaches, registration numbers are scaled back, and kids eager to play are turned away.

No soccer experience? No problem!

AYSO provides age-appropriate coach training tailored to the level you will be coaching. You’ll learn everything you need to help kids develop their skills and love for the game. Plus, all training costs are covered by the Region.


Why Coach?

  • Teach soccer fundamentals and foster skill development.

  • Promote teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a positive attitude.

  • Help build children’s confidence and self-esteem.

  • Enjoy fun, rewarding time at practices and games with your child.

  • You get to pick your practice times.

The Impact of Being an AYSO Coach

A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life. At AYSO, Positive Coaching is a core philosophy because of the vital role coaches play both on and off the field.

Coaching offers a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your own child while also serving as an important role model for every player on your team. Many coaches find the experience so rewarding that they continue coaching long after their own children have moved on from AYSO.

While soccer knowledge is helpful, it’s not required—AYSO provides all the training and materials you need to coach effectively, especially in the younger age divisions. Coaching also draws on skills you already have, like leadership, communication, and encouragement.

If you’re unsure about taking on the full coach role, consider starting as an assistant coach. Our Region will gladly help match you with a more experienced coach so you can learn the ropes and gain confidence.

Coaching Commitment

Coaching Commitment by Age Division

6U 

  • No weekday practices

  • 1 hour on Saturdays


8U

  • 1 hour practice on a weekday of your choice

  • 1 hour on Saturdays


10U

  • Two 1-hour practices on weekdays of your choice

  • 1.5 hours on Saturdays


12U – 19U

  • Two 1.5-hour practices on weekdays of your choice

  • 1.5 hours on Saturdays



Pacifica AYSO Coaching Requirements

All coaches must complete the following training after submitting a volunteer form and passing a background check:

Required Online Trainings:

  • AYSO Safe Haven

  • CDC Concussion Awareness

  • Sudden Cardiac Arrest

  • SafeSport (completed annually)

All of the above can be completed online via AYSOU.


🎓 Division-Specific Training

  • Attend the classroom and field session for your assigned age division.
    (Example: 6U Coach Training, 10U Coach Training, etc.)


⚖️ Referee Training

  • Coaches of 10U and older teams are required to complete the Basic Referee Course
    (helps with game knowledge and coverage when referees are unavailable).


🟦 LiveScan Fingerprinting

  • Required if you are:

    • Coaching multiple teams

    • Coaching any team in the 10U division or above

 

Avoiding Blowouts (5-goal differential)



Preventing Blowout Games: Coaching for Fun and Development

The AYSO mission focuses on participation, player development, and good sportsmanship. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where players enjoy the game for its own sake, emphasizing fun and learning over winning or losing.


What Is a Blowout?

  • Any game with a 5-goal differential or more is considered a blowout.

  • Blowouts work against the spirit of AYSO and should be avoided at all costs.

  • Blowouts often reflect a failure to plan or manage the game properly, diminishing the experience for both teams.


Why Avoid Blowouts?

  • Games are most fun and instructive when they are challenging for both teams.

  • Close scores create a better learning environment and greater enjoyment for players.

  • Proper game management can keep games competitive without requiring players to hold back.


How to Manage the Game and Prevent Blowouts

The coach of the stronger team is encouraged to “pull back” by raising the challenge level beyond simply scoring goals. This helps keep the game competitive and supports player growth.

Suggested strategies include:

  • Rotate key goal-scoring players to defensive positions or substitute them for a quarter.

  • Assign scoring to players who have never scored before.

  • Require the team to complete five passes in a row before taking a shot on goal.

  • Announce that everyone on the team must touch the ball before the first goal is scored.

  • Have the team play the ball back to their own goalkeeper at least once before advancing.

  • Require all shots to be taken outside the penalty box (outside the 18-yard area).

  • Require shots to be taken using the player’s weak foot.

These steps should be implemented before the score reaches a 5-goal lead. Coaches are encouraged to share these instructions quietly and constructively, not by shouting across the field.


The Purpose of These Strategies

  • To ensure the trailing team doesn’t feel defeated.

  • To challenge the stronger team’s players and promote their development.

  • To support AYSO’s core philosophy of Good Sportsmanship.


Consequences

Coaches who repeatedly allow blowouts without making efforts to prevent them may face game suspensions for not upholding AYSO’s core values.



National Partners

AYSO Region 157 Thanks Our Sponsors for their continued support!!

Contact Us

Pacifica AYSO 157

PO Box 615 
PACIFICA, California 94044

Email Us: [email protected]
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