Coaches
Coaches are needed for all age groups for our Spring 2009 season.  Please let us know how you'd like to get involved. All coaches will have to pass the "Kid Safe" background check.

We like to concentrate on age appropriate coaching techniques that instill a love of the game of soccer and not just drills and learning only techniques. Soccer is a combination of mental and physical development. It is a creative game that children can benefit from throughout their life. As coaches it is our responsability to make sure that we develop the players knowledge of the game as well as the techniques necessary to perform to their fullest potential.

 

There are several coach classes now forming.

In order to take an "E" or "D" class license you must have completed a lower course module 6 months prior to the class and be at least 15 years old. You can fill out a waiver form to be waived from taking the a youth module in order to take the "E" class license.  For more information on classes being offered Click Here.

If you are registering for a class please let us know so that if there are other coaches taking the same class we can coordinate travel.

In order to provide the best soccer experience for the children as well as the coaches TVYSA follows the following STYSA rule.

STYSA Rule 3.1.16: Registered Coach, states that “an individual wishing to coach must successfully complete an age appropriate module license course (Under 6/8; Under 10/12) the appropriate license level course (E or D) or receive approval from the STYSA Director of Coaching for equivalent licensure…within one year after the date the individual begins to coach. Only registered, eligible coaches are allowed to participate in STYSA sanctioned events.”

New Coaches

HELP! I Volunteered to Coach...What do I do?

Many first time coaches volunteer or are volunteered to the job. First things first…Relax.  Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these little Under-6 and Under-8 soccer players.

Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players in training and in games.
 
How:
  • Talk to the Program Director and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
  • Talk to other Soccer Coaches in the program or in your community who have worked with these age groups before.
  • Call your State Youth Soccer Association and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
  • Call your State Youth Soccer Association and ask to speak with the State Director of Coaching 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.
 
Team Management:
Prepare a list of simple and clear rules for your players and their parents. Conduct a preseason meeting to review these rules and to go over other important information and to complete important administrative paperwork.
 
Consider the following:
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.
Discuss the procedure for canceling training sessions and games.
Discuss 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.
 
The Training Session - Under-6 Format
Duration is 45-60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual activities.
Warm-up activities include movement education approach…with and without a ball (10 minutes).
Fun games activities with and with out a ball (20 minutes).
Conclude with 3v3 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.
 
The Training Session - Under-8 Format
Duration is 60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual and partner activities.
Warm-up activities with and without the ball – dribbling and passing (15 minutes).
Maze games and target games (25 minutes).
Conclude with 4v4 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.
 

Sample Lesson Plans, courtesy of the Coaches Connection (click the link below)
Under-6 Lesson Plans
Under-8 Lesson Plans
Blank Practivce Plans

 *Courtesy of US Youth Soccer

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