Coaching a youth soccer team is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your community — and you don't need to have played soccer to do it well.
At Glendale Soccer, we believe the best coaches are the ones who show up with patience, positivity, and a genuine interest in helping kids grow. We'll take care of the rest. Before your first season, you'll need to complete a background check and Safe Sport and Heads Up! training courses — both are required by state and federal law, and we'll walk you through the process.
Once you're cleared, the real fun begins. We offer a coaches' course each season to help you get comfortable with the basics of the game, run effective practices, and manage game days with confidence. Even if you've never kicked a soccer ball competitively, you'll find the rules straightforward and our resources easy to use. The most important thing you'll do all season is make sure every player feels included, supported, and excited to come back next week.
On the field, your job is to divide playing time as equally as possible, keep practices engaging, and create a positive environment win or lose. A good practice plan goes a long way — even a simple one. We have drills and session plans available for every age group and skill level to help you fill that one hour a week with purpose and energy.
Your relationship with parents matters too. Clear, early communication sets the tone for a great season. Let families know your practice schedule, your cancellation policy, and how you prefer to be reached. A team parent can help manage communication and logistics so you can focus on coaching.
You're not in this alone — the Glendale Soccer community, including our Coaching & Competition Coordinator, is here to support you every step of the way.
Being a Great Coach Starts Here
Coaching a youth soccer team is one of the most impactful things you can do for the kids in our community — and you don't need a soccer background to do it well. The best coaches at Glendale Soccer share three things: a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine care for the kids on their team.
This page pulls together our favorite resources to help you get started, plan great practices, manage the sideline, and understand why what you're doing matters far beyond the final score.
Getting Started: Requirements & Licensing
Before the season begins, all Glendale Soccer coaches are required to complete a background check and Safe Sport and Heads Up training courses — both mandated by state and federal law. We'll walk you through the process.
Beyond those requirements, we encourage every coach to take advantage of the coaching education available to you, much of it free.
- US Soccer Learning Center — Start here. The free 20-minute Introduction to Grassroots Coaching online module is a great first step, with additional courses available by age group (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11).
- Indiana Soccer Coaching Resources — Grassroots courses are tuition-free for Indiana Soccer Association members, with only a $25 U.S. Soccer service charge.*** Glendale Soccer reimburses coaches that take these paid courses
Understanding the Game
You don't need to know every rule on day one — but a solid grasp of the basics will make you a more confident coach and help your players understand what's happening on the field.
Practice Planning & Drills
One well-organized hour of practice per week can make a real difference for your players. These resources take the guesswork out of planning so you can walk onto the field feeling prepared.
- US Soccer Coaches Session Plans — A comprehensive library of session plans organized by age group, aligned with U.S. Soccer's Play-Practice-Play methodology.
- Soccer Coaching 101 — A guide covering how to plan sessions, connect with players as individuals, and create a harmonious atmosphere where coaches, players, and parents work together.
- Glendale Soccer Coaching Plans — U6****U8****U10****U12****U14
Managing the Sideline & Working with Parents
Setting clear expectations with parents at the start of the season is one of the most valuable things you can do as a coach. A quick note or introductory team meeting goes a long way toward keeping the sideline positive all season long.
Coaching Philosophy & Player Development
The best youth coaches focus less on wins and more on creating an environment where kids want to come back next season. These resources will help shape your approach to the game and to the kids you coach.
- US Youth Soccer Official Coaching Manual — A comprehensive guide covering how to be dedicated to child development, keep things positive, and understand what is developmentally appropriate for different ages.
- AYSO Volunteer Coaching Resources — Built on the philosophy that kids make the best players when they receive positive encouragement and good mentoring.
- The Soccer Handbook — A resource built specifically for rec soccer coaches who want to create a best-in-class learning environment for their players with full-season practice plans and coaching tips.
Why It Matters
On the days when it feels like a lot — when it's cold, when the schedule is packed, when you're wrangling nine eight-year-olds who'd rather chase butterflies than run drills — remember this: you are making a difference. Youth soccer builds friendships, teaches resilience, and gives kids a place to belong. The coach who shows up consistently, cheers every player equally, and makes practice the best hour of the week is doing something that matters long after the season ends.
Thank you for volunteering your time to make Glendale Soccer possible.
Questions? Reach us at [email protected]