The SBSC loves its coaches! You do not need to have played professional soccer or even know much about soccer in order to coach. Some important skills include (1) having good communication and listening skills, (2) leading by example (respect for referees, other team, etc....), (3) empower players to do the best they can, (4) enthusiasm, (5) understanding the basics of the game, and (6) having FUN!!!!!
For Micro (U7), a team can have a head coach and several assistant coaches.
For U8 and older divisions, our policy is teams may have one head coach and one assistant coach.
The SBSC supports coaches with articles, links to videos, and emailing lesson plans. Please consider volunteering!
How to Become a Coach
Thanks for diving in! There are some administrative (courses, etc...) you have to go through. Here is a link that summarizes the steps.
Below are the first two steps for all coaches:
- Notify the age group Division Coordinator and Registrar that you are interested in coaching (See the Board Contacts page.)
- Register (online) to be a coach. You can find a link below. Note, coaches will register directly through Cal South (Affinity) and not through the registration system we use for players.
New Coach Information
Below are links to documents that will help you get started:
- Rick Management Process
- Live Scan Form
- U.S. Soccer National License Instructions (online course)
- Concussion Information and Course (online course)
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information and Course (online course)
- Safe Sport Course (online course): Please contact our registrar (Nicky Germon) or President for information about how to access the course.
Other Coaching Resources
The SBSC has a subscription to "Soccer 101" which is a service that send a weekly email to coaches with an age appropriate practice plan. The plans include diagrams as well as videos.
Below are links to additional resources.
Coach Registration Instructions
Coach registration will be in Cal South's Affinity Platform "Affinity". The platform tracks the licensing and risk management status for each coach. The process should only take a few minutes.
The following link will take you to instructions.
Equipment, Uniforms & Schedules
Coach's Bag: Each coach will be provided a "Coach's Bag" of goodies, which will include soccer balls, mini ball pump, pinnies, cones, goalie shirt and first aid kit.
Uniforms: Game uniforms (with shorts and socks) will be distributed by the end of August.
Game Schedules: Links to schedules will be published by the end of August.
Practice Fields
Setting Up Mobile Access
Install the Sport Engine mobile app (iOS and Android supported) and keep up with the latest schedules, results, news and statistics. Share photos and videos right from the game and enjoy rosters and player profiles, complete with game-by-game statistics.
You can find more information about how to stay connected to your team(s) on the Coach / Parent Resource page on our website (under the 'Coaches' tab).
Latest Coaching News
- U.S. Center for Safe Sport: US Soccer formally adopted new Athlete and Participant safety policy on February 16, 2019. Subsequently, Cal South and Affiliate Members must ensure that all Coaches, Administrators and other Covered Individuals complete the required U.S. Center for Safe Sport training and education online course.
- Soccer 101: The Club subscribes to a service during the season that each week provides coaches with division specific practice ideas.
- Cal South Recreational Soccer Page: Cal South has a new page designed to support coaches. There are links to division specific practice drill ideas (videos). Click here to go to page.
- Team Pages: The new website platform provides each team with a team page. In addition, the platform will provide mobile access to your team page. Stay tuned for more information.
Getting Ready for the Season
Equipment and Materials
Practice Schedule & Other Information
Team Parent Responsibilities
A critical part of a successful season is communication. As a coach, you need to be certain that you, your players, and their parents are all aware of the objectives of the SBSC. Your season will be most successful if you maintain a consistent flow of information throughout the season by working with your Assistant Coach and team parent to provide key information as it becomes available. Here is a link (Season Preparation) with some suggestions
Playing Time
The SBSC policy is play each player at least 50% of the game time.
Peter Schmid Sportsmanship Award
This is an award based on citizenship, helpfulness, attitude, loyalty and attendance. Please fill out the Nomination Form for the player that you think best meets these qualifications. If there are any questions, please contact our Award Coordinator.
Scott Billington Memorial Award
The Scott Billington Memorial Award honors Scott’s leadership and invaluable contributions made to the community, and in particular to the SBSC. The recipient(s) are honored for their leadership and selfless enthusiasm and whose contributions to the SBSC honor Scott’s spirit. The award will be presented at the SBSC Annual General Meeting, which is typically held in late February or early March. (read more)