AYSO Mira Mesa Region 285

Become a Coach

Coaching children is one of the most rewarding ways to support AYSO Mira Mesa. Coaches help kids learn soccer, build confidence, and enjoy a safe, positive team experience.

Why Coach?

Coaching your own child’s team can be one of the most rewarding experiences in youth sports. Coaches are essential to providing the nurturing environment that makes AYSO special.

Without enough coaches, children are left on waiting lists and miss out on the opportunity to play a season of soccer.

If you have little or no soccer experience, that is not a problem. AYSO gives coaches the training and support they need.

AYSO Coaching Education

AYSO’s coaching education program provides coaches with the instruction they need to help children learn the game in a safe, positive setting.

AYSO Region 285 provides age-appropriate coach training for the division you are coaching for both Head and Assistant Coaches. If you already plan to be at your child’s practices and games, you may have the time to be your child’s coach.

Become a Certified Coach in Three Steps

To become an AYSO Region 285 Head or Assistant coach, you must be certified for the age level you are coaching. The process is straightforward.

Step 1

Register as a Volunteer

Step 2

Complete Safety Requirements

Complete required volunteer training, including Safe Haven, SafeSport, concussion training, sudden cardiac arrest training, background check, and Live Scan.

Step 3

Complete Coach Training

Complete the age-specific coaching course for the division you are coaching. Some divisions require online coursework and an in-person field session.

Requirements for Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches

If you are serving as a Head Coach or Assistant Coach, thank you. It is one of the most important roles in the league.

In addition to the standard volunteer requirements, coaches must complete the age-appropriate AYSO coaching certification based on the division they are coaching. Training is completed through AYSOU, also known as eTrainU, in Sports Connect.

Volunteer Application

Required every program, every year.

Background Check

Required through AYSO risk status and background check process.

SafeSport

Required for adult volunteers, with yearly refreshers.

Live Scan

Required for California volunteers and must be completed specifically for AYSO.

AYSO Safe Haven

Required child and volunteer safety training.

Coach Certification

Required for the specific age division you are coaching.

Coaching License Requirements by Division

Coaches must hold the proper certification before coaching in games. Some levels require both online coursework and an in-person field session.

Division	How to Complete
8U Coach	Fully online
10U Coach	Online plus in-person field session
12U Coach	Online plus in-person field session
14U Coach	Online plus in-person Intermediate Coach course. 12U certification is a prerequisite. Coaches cannot obtain 12U and 14U certifications within the same 12-month period.
19U Coach	Online plus in-person Advanced Coach course. Intermediate 14U certification is a prerequisite.

Important Notes

You must hold the proper certification before coaching in games.
Some levels require both online coursework and an in-person field session.
Certifications build on each other. Higher divisions require completion of prior levels.
Plan ahead. Some in-person courses are offered only a few times per year.

Where to Find Coach Training

Step 1

Log into Sports Connect.

Step 2

Click the training icon (graduation cap) in your account.

Step 3

Select Log in to eTrainU.

Step 4

Navigate to the Coaching section and enroll in the course for your division.

Step 5

Full coach training guideline here.

Not Sure Which Course You Need?

Contact the Regional Coach Administrator before enrolling if you are unsure which certification applies to your division.

Renewal Requirements

Requirement	Renewal Period	Requiring Body
Volunteer Form	Every program, every year	AYSO
Risk Status / Background Check	Yearly	AYSO
Concussion Awareness	One and done, unless periodic updates are required	California
Fingerprinting	One and done for AYSO-specific Live Scan	California
Sudden Cardiac Arrest	One and done, unless periodic updates are required	California
AYSO Safe Haven	One and done, unless periodic updates are required	AYSO
US Soccer SafeSport	Yearly. Year 1 is SafeSport Trained, years 2 and 3 are refreshers, then the cycle repeats.	Federal
Coaching License	One and done for each level	AYSO
Referee Training	One and done for each level	AYSO

Why Coach Certification Matters

Coaching licenses are not just a checkbox. They help ensure consistent training standards across the region and create a better experience for players.

Coaches teach soccer skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and a healthy attitude toward competition. Coaching AYSO is a uniquely rewarding opportunity to support a child’s self-esteem and love of the game.

Ready to Become a Coach?

If you are ready to become a coach or have questions about certification, contact the Region 285 Coach Administrator.

Email the Coach Administrator Register as a Volunteer

Website Manager

MIRA MESA, SCRIPPS RANCH and RANCHO PENASQUITOS

Becoming A Coach