What is Coaching? (NEW) by Neil Bradford, SAY's Director of Coaching
Coaching is hard to define, but the dictionary defines it as “A person who trains or directs athletes or athletic teams”. This can be somewhat confusing with teaching, instructing and training. An effective coach is able to explain develop and evolve a child through their performance. This is achieved by not only coaching techniques, but also incorporates skill and tactics. To achieve success a coach needs to plan, prepare, evaluate and conduct a session. For More

Coaching and Player Development by Christian Lauers
Soccer is rapidly growing and becoming more popular in this country. With this growth has come an expanding player pool, more qualified coaching, and a higher level of play at all age groups. Unfortunately, with this increased popularity has also come more and more pressure for teams to win at younger and younger age groups. In fact, it is not unusual to hear people discuss with enthusiasm the win-loss record of a U8 soccer team! For More

The Importance of Training for Coaches by Jeff Wander
Coaches in youth sports take on many responsibilities. In the SAY organization, these duties include making sure our children have fun while learning the game of soccer, sharing playing time following our rules and learning the fundamentals of a wonderful sport. These are just a few of the many responsibilities we undertake as coaches. For More

The Language of Soccer
Some of the words used in soccer rules have very specific meanings, sometimes very different from the common meaning in ordinary American English. This leads to many unwarranted complaints to referees from un-knowing coaches and fans. Here are some of the more common cases: Player vs. Substitute For More

Let the Referee Ref
One of the really beautiful characteristics of soccer compared to other sports is the constant action. The fun and excitement grow as each team builds momentum, probing opponent’s defenses, trying different strategies, then striking when an opportunity occurs! Soccer is a difficult game to play well, and most teams require considerable time to reach optimum performance. For More

Select Players Playing SAY by Charles Keaney
For SAY or one of its Areas to prohibit a “select” soccer player from participating on a SAY team is, in my opinion, discriminatory and no different than prohibiting a player’s participation because of poor motor skills, religious restrictions, race, etc. What are the reasons for wanting to prohibit “select” players from participating: For More

Teacher, Role Model, Facilitator by Manny Sanchez
Being a youth soccer coach comes with many serious responsibilities. People find themselves in the role of a coach for numerous reasons. Some have played the game when they were young and want to give something back to the sport. But a more common path to the coaching ranks in most communities is being volunteered or drafted to coach because one's children are involved and there is a shortage of coaches. For More

Who Speaks for Soccer? by Tim Schum
One of Director of Coaching Emeritus Jeff Tipping's initiatives while heading the NSCAA's Academy program was to ask the staff coaches to impart to candidates the need for them to return to their communities and take lead roles in any and all matters impacting soccer.While their NSCAA Academy training focused on soccer technique, soccer tactics, soccer fitness and physical preparation for the sport, Tipping wanted all candidates to appreciate that the sport needs them not just as coaches, but as ambassadors and "lead trail horses" as it were, in their locales. For More

The Youth Soccer Coach by Mike Berticelli
You donate your time for the good of our youth, But you scream and you yell and are often uncouth. For More