Welcome, Coach — We’re So Glad You’re Here!

Thanks for stepping up to lead and inspire our young athletes! Here’s what to do next:

✅ Coaching Certification Process

 

1. Register with Mass Youth Soccer (if not already registered)

Create your account or log in:
Mass Youth Soccer Registration

 

2. Complete Required Trainings

🛡️ Training 1: SafeSport Course

  • Log into your Mass Youth Soccer “My Account” via U.S. Soccer Connect
  • Click the Certificates tab (located under your photo)
  • Click the SafeSport training link with the Enrollment Key
    • Complete all necessary fields
    • Agree to terms
    • Click the blue "Sign Up" button
  • Enroll in “SafeSport Trained – U.S. Soccer Federation” (90 minutes)

🛡️ Training 2: Concussion Course

  • Log into your U.S. Soccer Connect account, click “My Account”
  • Go to Certificates tab in “My Account”
  • Use CDC TRAIN Help Guide to take the Coaches version
  • Upload your certificate under Concussion Certificate
    • Log into your account again
    • Select the “Certificates” tab
    • Click “Concussion Certificate” and upload your completion file

🏅 Coaching Expectations

If you run into any questions or hiccups, reach out to our Coach Coordinator at coachcoordinator.HAYSA@gmail.com — we’re here to help!

  • Lead by example on and off the field
  • Foster a love of the game through positivity and passion
  • Promote respect, sportsmanship, and fair treatment for all players
  • Support team development through equal play time and skill-building
  • Teach how to win and lose with grace and perspective
  • Evaluate players fairly and place them based on ability and growth
  • Respect and support referees consistently
  • Communicate clearly and regularly with parents and families
  • Provide every child a chance to start and contribute
  • Emphasize playing all positions for well-rounded development
  • Be a proud ambassador for Holbrook and Avon
  • Maintain a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment

⚽ Key Principles on the Field

Principle What It Means
Play out from the back Pass from goalkeeper/defense with intention
Keep possession Use ground passes, avoid blind kicks
Be creative Encourage players to try skills, mimic pros, and take bold shots
Use width Stretch the field with wide attacking play
Find space Move intelligently, not just stick to positions
Press as a team Win the ball back with collective pressure

🎯 Coaching Best Practices & Reminders

  • Ask players what they learned after each practice.
  • Show, don’t just tell. Demonstrate or ask a player to.
  • Praise effort over outcome. Encourage hustle and heart.
  • Keep promises. Follow through every time.
  • Never leave until every child is picked up.
  • Team-first mindset: Prioritize team needs over individual goals.
  • Respectful titles: Use “Coach,” “Coach [Name],” etc.
  • Kneel to eye level with younger players.
  • Safety sweep: Inspect the field before every session.
  • Treat every player equally. Be fair in your actions, regardless of personal preferences.
  • Celebrate each child: Before they leave, point out something they did well.
  • Welcome input: Occasionally ask players what the team should work on — it builds ownership.
  • End with unity: Lead the team cheer: 🗣️ “One, two, three... TEAM!”
  • Lead with enthusiasm. Your energy drives effort and earns respect from players and parents alike.
  • Soak it in. Coaching is a rare privilege — enjoy every moment!

📜 Beyond Basic Coaching: Grassroots Training

HAYSA will reimburse coaches for completing a Grassroots course with U.S. Soccer.
Get Certified with U.S. Soccer

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