AYSO provides coach training for all divisions. No prior soccer or coaching experience is required. Training is designed to help coaches create a safe, positive, and age-appropriate environment for players.

All coaches must first complete the required AYSO Volunteer Requirements before beginning coach-specific training.

👉 See AYSO Volunteer Training page for details.

Coaches may begin at the certification level that matches the division they are coaching, from 06U through 12U. These certification courses are separate entry points and do not require lower-level certifications as prerequisites. Coaches do not need to “work their way up” through each division level before coaching older competitive divisions.

Higher-level certifications for 14U, 16U, and 18U build from the 12U Coach certification and require additional training and experience.

06U Coach

• Required to coach 06U
• Online training only
• Focuses on introducing soccer through fun and age-appropriate activities

08U Coach

• Required to coach 07U and 08U
• Online training only
• Focuses on basic player development, small-sided games, and positive coaching techniques

10U Coach

• Required to coach 09U and 10U
• Online training, plus in-person field session
• Introduces game concepts, positioning, and age-appropriate tactics

12U Coach

• Required to coach 12U
• Additional online and in-person training
• Builds on player development and team concepts

Intermediate & Advanced Coaching

Coaches who wish to continue can pursue Intermediate and Advanced Coach certifications, which require additional coursework and field training.

In some cases, first-time coaches interested in coaching 14U may be permitted to begin with the 12U Coach certification while completing additional requirements. Please contact our Regional Coach Administrator if interested.

For more information about advancing, please contact our Regional Coach Administrator.

1. Complete Volunteer Requirements

All coaches must first complete the required volunteer requirements, including safety trainings, fingerprinting, and background check approval.

👉 See the AYSO Volunteer Training page for details.

Most safety trainings are completed online through AYSOU.

2. Complete Online Coach Training

• Log into AYSOU through your Sports Connect account
• Go to Coaches → View Courses
• Select the appropriate coach course for your division

Most 10U+ courses are offered as an Online + In-Person Companion Course rather than a Full In-Person Course.

Choose the Companion Course option to complete the classroom portion online and attend a separate in-person field session.

Important Note: Complete the online portion first, then register for the In-Person Companion Event by clicking “Enroll via Event” in AYSOU. 

3. Complete the In-Person Field Session (10U+ Only)

We will host at least two in-person trainings on weekday evenings in August and September in San Luis Obispo (dates TBD).

If you cannot attend one of our local trainings, you may attend another Region’s class. Nearby Regions such as 5 Cities, Nipomo, and Santa Barbara also offer trainings.

To view all available trainings:

• Do not limit your search to Region 599
• Use the Location filter and enter your zip code
• Adjust the distance based on how far you are willing to travel
• Select an available event from the calendar and click Enroll

Questions?

Contact our Regional Coach Administrator:
Lindsey Higgins Lau
[email protected]