Ask the Coach...

AYSO National Coach John Ouellette

Answers Your Questions

Question: “It seems like soccer is a pretty simple game. Why should I take courses and get ‘certified’ to coach little kids?”

Answer: You'd want your children's teachers to be trained, right? The classroom may be far more challenging than the soccer field, and youth soccer is mostly about playing, but coaches, like teachers, will be more successful if they understand the stages of development of the children they coach.

That's why AYSO’s coaching courses focus on an age-appropriate approach. Even someone who has long been around the game – watched it, played it and coached it – will benefit from learning about how motor skills and social development differ from ages 6, 8, 10 and so on.

This is also why we encourage continued education as a coach moves through different age groups.

For those without much of a soccer background, AYSO's coaching courses provide a fun way to familiarize you with the game. We have also found - time and time again - that our courses give coaches that extra confidence that really helps when they hit the field and are greeted by an energetic group of young children.

The courses provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences while meeting fellow coaches. To make coaching education as convenient as possible, AYSO also provides online certification.