Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

MIRA MESA SOCCER

Volunteer with Mira Mesa AYSO

Because kids don’t play without volunteers.
Mira Mesa AYSO is 100% volunteer-run. Every practice, game, smile, and high-five happens because someone like you stepped up.
Volunteering isn’t about being a soccer expert. It’s about showing up, helping kids grow, and being part of something that feels good at the end of the day.
Coaches, referees, team parents, field helpers, board members, there’s a role for every schedule, personality, and comfort level.
When you volunteer, you’re not just helping your own child. You’re making it possible for hundreds of kids in Mira Mesa to play and have an activity after school.

No volunteers = no teams. It’s really that simple.

Volunteering with Mira Mesa AYSO isn’t just for parents:
- Siblings ages 12 and older
- High school students
- College students
- Extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, community volunteers, etc
If you’ve ever thought, “I could help with that,” this is your sign.
Volunteering with Mira Mesa AYSO makes a real difference: for kids, for families, and for our community.
➡️Become a Volunteer Today
Questions? Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need soccer experience?
No. Many of our volunteers started with none.

How much time does it take?
You choose a role that fits your schedule. Some volunteer weekly, others just a few times a season.

Can someone other than a parent volunteer?
Yes. Siblings, students, relatives, and community members are welcome.

Who needs to be certified?
Every volunteer needs to be certified. If there are multiple coaches, asst coaches and team parents, then all must be certified in order to work with the players during practice. Certification means having passed the appropriate class for the age division , Safe Haven, and Concussion Awareness training. If you will ever be around kids, you need to be certified. Safety first!

I don't know anything about soccer. Can I still help coach?
Yes! AYSO provides training and materials. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have in addition to specific soccer knowledge. If you are uncertain, try being an assistant coach. Your Region's Coach Administrator will be happy to try to match you up with somebody with a little more experience.

What is the time commitment of being an AYSO coach?
Generally, coaches run at least one training session and one game per week for their team for younger divisions. U10 and above practice twice a week for 60-90 minutes.

Why Volunteer?

You Make Soccer Possible
AYSO does not hire staff. Without volunteers, teams cannot form and games cannot happen and costs. It’s that simple.
Costs increases with hired staff.

You Shape the Experience
Volunteers set the tone for sportsmanship, confidence, and fun. The impact you make lasts far beyond the final whistle.

You’re Supported Every Step of the Way
We provide training, equipment, guidance, and mentorship. No experience required.

It’s Good for You, Too
Fresh air, movement, connection, and the satisfaction of giving back to your community. Many volunteers tell us it’s the most rewarding part of their week and stay with us until their child ages out and after.

Ways to Volunteer

There’s something for everyone: on the field and behind the scenes.

On the Field
Coach or Assistant Coach
Referee or Youth Referee
Practice and game support

Game Day & Team Support
Team Parent
Field setup and breakdown
Sideline and game support

Events & Behind the Scenes
Tournament and event help
Board and committee roles
Administrative and planning support

Not sure where you fit? We’ll help you find the right role.

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a program instituted by AYSO to comply with the Child Protection Act of 1993. Each team must have a certified coach that has taken this class. AYSO requires all volunteers be certified through the Safe Haven Program. It focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children as well as other on-field issues. Agreeing to a background check is also required for each volunteer.

Becoming Safe Haven^® certified may take a little time, but AYSO families know their children's safety is worth it.

Safe Haven^® is both a child and volunteer protection program. It was the first of its kind in youth sports.

The child protection aspect is intended to prevent child abuse, promote education and awareness, enforce policies and screen and train volunteers. It includes proactive steps that promote a positive, healthy environment for children.

Volunteer protection is the result of volunteer training, certification and continuing education. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections for volunteers who have been trained and certified and act in accordance with a written job description and AYSO's policies and guidelines.

The class for volunteers is available by following this link. Want to know more? Visit the Safe Haven FAQ.

Not volunteering, but still interested in what Safe Haven does for our program? Check out the new Safe Haven Information for Parents by following this link. Note that Safe Haven Information for Parents is not sufficient training for volunteers.