Thank you for volunteering to coach with AYSO Mira Mesa!

Our league runs on volunteers like you: parents, neighbors, and community members who step up to give kids a great place to play.

Coaching is one of the most rewarding roles in youth sports. You’ll help kids learn the game, grow as teammates, and build confidence that sticks with them long after the final whistle. No fancy resume required, just a positive attitude and a little time each week.

Don’t worry if you’ve never coached before, we got you covered!

✅ Step 1: Get Started

AYSO provides you with the basics through age-appropriate online training and in-person coaching clinics. These are built to help you run practices that are fun, simple, and safe, using games and drills the kids will love.

To get started on your educational journey to becoming a coach, click here to download a coaching primer that covers the basics of our league, as well as age-specific rules. 

📣 Step 2: Contact Your Team

Once you get your roster, reach out to families within a few days using gamechanger and email. Kids are excited to meet their coach, and parents appreciate knowing what’s going on.

In your welcome message or first meeting, you may cover the following basics:

• Gamechanger is usually the preferred method of communication for Mira Mesa Soccer from here on out.

• Practice day, time, and field location

• What to bring: ball, shin guards, cleats, and water

• We have Free play Fridays for U8-U14 which is led by our United coaches. It is just pick up soccer before the weekend starts. For U8 teams with just one practice, it is a great opportunity for players who want a second option.

• For U10 and above, we have keeper training on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30pm.

• Briefly mention that  AYSO is powered by volunteers, so you'll be recruiting parents to get trained as referees for U10 and above teams. In order to compete in the end of season playoffs, teams must provide referees during the season and accumulate 15 points. You will also need a team parent volunteer and a banner design volunteer. 

At your first team meeting or practice, introduce yourself and explain:

• Why you’re coaching (even if it’s just because someone had to!)

• What you want kids to focus on: fun, learning, teamwork, not wins and losses

• Your team rules: be kind, try your best, and respect your teammates, referees, and opponents

• Who can help: assistant coaches and team parents are always needed for snacks, banners, and sideline support

• Method of communication: download gamechanger

• Key events: game schedule, picture day on September 20, the Mira Mesa Soccer Picnic on October 18, etc

🎒 Step 3: Equipment

You’ll receive a starter kit with:

• Cones

• Pinnies (enough for half the team)

• 3 soccer balls (U8 and older)

• A ball pump

• Coach and Assistant Coach jerseys

• A ball sack

• A mini first aid kit

Please return whenever you are done coaching/ using the items.
Remind families to bring their own age-appropriate ball (size 3, 4, or 5), shin guards (required), cleats, and water.

⚽ Step 4: Running a Practice

You don’t need to be a soccer expert to run a great practice. Come prepared with a few drills and activities, and keep things moving.

Younger teams will need shorter practices and more frequent breaks. Wrap up each session by highlighting a new skill or sharing a positive moment from practice.

Your job is to create a space where kids feel encouraged, included, and excited to keep playing.

Thanks again for being part of Mira Mesa Soccer. Let’s make this a season to remember for the players, and for you too.