At SAY Soccer we believe an educated coach plays a critical role in creating a positive, safe and fun environment for children. We pride ourselves on supporting environments that emphasize good sportsmanship, encouragement, and fair play. This edition of SAYNEWS explores how coaches can get the most out of their team and have a positive season.

Coaching Requirements - Are you cleared to coach?

If you have volunteered to coach this coming season, we highly encourage you to visit our requirements page. All coaches need to be SafeSport certified, have completed a form of concussion training and submit a volunteer screening application

(Some states may have additional requirements. Check with your local area or district for more details.)

Coach Manual - Preparing for the Upcoming Season

This one stop resource guide will help both new and returning coaches prepare for the upcoming season. Guidelines to coach requirements, coach code of ethics, safety policies and additional coaching resources can all be found here. 

Know the Rules - Laws of the Game

Before you step on the field, make sure that you have familiarized yourself with your specific organization’s playing rules. We encourage you to share these with parents prior to the first match. Be prepared, knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of game rules.  

Best Coaching Resource: MOJO

Using MOJO has helped many of our SAY Soccer coaches run better practices while spending less time preparing for practices. This app allows you to create practice plans, select training topics, shows you videos and easy to understand diagrams, keep you organized with the use of age-appropriate soccer activities. 

How MOJO has helped one of SAY Soccer’s Programs: Fairbanks Youth Soccer Association. FULL STORY HERE

From our Partner: Positive Coaching Alliance

Brian McBride: Advice to Youth Sport Coaches

McBride explains the privilege around coaches impacting kids for life. He offers coaches perspective on the experience and feelings they had growing up and playing sports . He describes how providing a child with a compliment and nurturing their talents is a unique gift coaches can and should give continuously.

Additional Coaching Resources: Continuing Education

United Soccer Coaches

The United Soccer Coaches is an organization of American soccer coaches founded in 1941. It is the largest soccer coaches organization in the world, with more than 30,000 members. It offers training courses for both beginning and experienced coaches and a wide range of award programs.

Visit United Soccer Coaches

Coach Gear: SAY Soccer Store

Don’t have all the coaching gear you need for the season? Visit our SAY Soccer store powered by Sator Soccer for all the latest in goals, cones, pinnies, and coach planning tools.