Coach Requirements

Coaches - AYSO Region 83

Become a Coach

Lead a team and help kids develop skills, confidence, and a love for soccer. No experience needed — we provide full training and support.

New Coach

Ready to coach? Here's what you need to do to get started. For detailed step-by-step information, see the volunteer process guide.

Head Coaches must be 18 or older. All coaches receive training and support from our division coordinators.

Follow the requirements checklist below, then register through your 5 Cities AYSO account. Your Division Coordinator or Coach Administrator will guide you through the training process.

Returning Coach

Welcome back! We're glad you're coaching again this season.

Coaching the same division as last year? You only need to complete the annual requirements below — no new training course needed.

Coaching a new division? You'll need to complete the coaching training for your new division. See the "Coach Training by Division" section below.

Complete your annual requirements, then register again through your 5 Cities AYSO account. Your Division Coordinator or Coach Administrator can help with any questions.

Requirements Checklist

Every Year Annual Requirements

Sterling Background Check (Risk Status) — Complete through your volunteer registration. AYSO covers this cost. Check your email (including spam) for next steps from Sterling Volunteers.

SafeSport Training — Full course (90 minutes) required in your first year. After that, renew every 4 years with annual 30-minute updates in between years. If you completed SafeSport for another youth sports league, email your certificate to your division coordinator.

One-Time One-Time Requirements

Fingerprinting — AYSO-specific requirement (does not transfer from other organizations). Completed through LiveScan. Cost: $25. Register for fingerprinting.

Concussion Awareness (AYSOU) — One-time requirement, as required by California state law.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (AYSOU) — One-time requirement, as required by California state law.

AYSO Safe Haven (AYSOU) — Required for new coaches. Returning coaches only need to renew if their certification was completed before 2011.

Coach Training (by Division) — See the training section below for division-specific requirements. If you coached the same division last season, you do not need to retake the course.

Coach Training by Division

Online only. No in-person training required. Head coaches must be 18 or older.

10U, 12U, 14U, 16U

Online pre-course (required) through AYSOU, then in-person course (required) to complete certification. Head coaches must be 18 or older.

Requires 8U license. Coaches must complete 8U training to coach 7U. Head coaches must be 18 or older.

Coach Licenses (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U/19U) - Online & In-Person Training

Coach Training for 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U

Head Coaches must be 18 or older.
Pre-course (online, AYSOU) — Required before registering for the in-person course.
In-person course — Required to complete certification.

Returning coaches: If you coached the same division last season, you do not need to retake the online pre-course or attend a new in-person course.

New to a division this season? Complete the online pre-course through AYSOU (AYSO University). See how to access AYSOU for instructions, then register for the in-person coaching course for your division.

6U and 8U Coach Training Info

Coach Training Requirements

Coach training for 6U and 8U is online only — there is no in-person course requirement.
Head Coaches must be 18 or older.
Coaches of the 7U division require an 8U license.

Returning coaches: If you coached the same division last season, you do not need to retake the online training course.

New to a division this season? Please complete the online coaching course for your division, available through AYSOU (AYSO University). See this link for information on accessing the module

To enroll: Log in to AYSOU → Training Library → find the coaching course → View Courses → Enroll in the online course for your division.