How to Become a Coach

Those volunteering to become a coach or assistant coach, must complete the following as well as age appropriate coach training mentioned below:

AYSO Volunteer Registration - This is completed once every AYSO soccer membership year which starts July 1 and ends June 30

-- CLICK HERE to create a profile account and register if you are new to Region 894
-- CLICK HERE to login and register if you are a returning volunteer with Region 894

Background Check - Submit a background check through Sterling Volunteers
AYSO Safe Haven - Online course at AYSOU and only needs to be taken once
CDC Concussion Awareness - Online course at AYSOU and must be taken every 12 months
SafeSport - Online Course with annual refresher
Age Appropriate Training - Each division has specific mandatory training

If you are interested in coaching with AYSO 894, please fill out the Coach Interest Form.

This form is for both returning and new coaches who would like to volunteer for the upcoming season. Your responses help us plan teams, training sessions, and certifications to ensure every player has a positive, fun, and well-supported soccer experience. Please take a few minutes to complete the form below.

What Do I Need to Become an AYSO Coach/Assistant?

What do I need to become an AYSO Coach/Assistant?

ALL of the following requirements must be met in order to volunteer with AYSO.

1. AYSO Registration

All volunteers/coaches/assistant coaches/team managers/referees must complete online registration as a volunteer for each season. When registering, you must choose the division (i.e. - 5U, 6U, 7U, etc.) you want to coach.

2. Background Check

All volunteers must submit and pass a background check through Sterling Volunteers. CLICK HERE for more information.

3. Safe Haven

All AYSO volunteers are required to complete Safe Haven online training at AYSOU. You will only need to complete this training one time.

4. CDC Concussion Training

According to the State of Alabama, coaches/assistant coaches must complete the online CDC Concussion Awareness training in AYSOU. We also require all team managers and referees to complete this training. This online training must be completed every 12 months.

5. U.S. Center for SafeSport Training

All volunteers/coaches/assistant coaches/team managers/referees and administrators must be complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training. You can access the via the SafeSport link in AYSOU.

6. Age Appropriate Training

All coaches/assistant coaches must be certified in the age appropriate division for which they volunteered. Coaches/Assistant Coaches can sign up for age appropriate courses in AYSOU for your own region or any other region in the local area.

Division	Certification	Online	Classroom	Field	Prerequisites
5U/6U	6U	Yes	NONE	NONE	NONE
8U	8U	Yes	NONE	NONE	NONE
10U	10U	Yes	Yes	Yes	NONE
12U	12U	Yes	Yes	Yes	10U
14U	Intermediate	Yes	Yes	Yes	12U
16U/19U	Advanced	Yes	Yes	Yes	Intermediate

NOTE: The coach training program has two elements -- 1) Theory; and 2) On-Field. You must complete both elements to be certified for the age appropriate training you signed up for. The theory element may be delivered online and/or in-person classroom.

7. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training

This course is online and is required under the AL COACH SAFELY provisions.

Please complete the Safe Haven and CDC Concussion Awareness online training before attending in-person courses. When attending in-person courses, please wear proper soccer attire (shin guards, cleats), sun protection (sun block, hat, sunglasses), and stay hydrated (water, Gatorade),.

Online Coach Training Courses

Online Coach Courses (6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, Intermediate, Advanced)

Online training is available on AYSO University at AYSOU.
Training is provided FREE for all volunteers.

To complete online courses, log into AYSOU using your ayso894.net username.
Open online courses and begin taking the course!

NOTE: You must register for the In-Person Training Courses separately from the online training courses.