Are you considering becoming a volunteer soccer coach? Do you wonder what it takes to be a great coach, even if you have limited soccer experience? This guide is here to help you navigate your journey as a recreational soccer coach. Introduction to GDYSC and the Role of a Volunteer Coach Groton and Dunstable Youth Soccer Club (GDYSC) operates as a town recreational soccer program, dedicated to keeping costs low as a non-profit and relying on the support of volunteers for various tasks, from field maintenance to coaching. GDYSC has been a valuable resource for Groton and Dunstable families since the mid-80s when Cow Pond soccer fields were first installed. Before You Begin: Mandatory Requirements Before you jump into coaching, there are some important requirements to fulfill: Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) Courses: To ensure the safety and well-being of players, you'll need to register and complete two courses with MYSA. These courses cover concussion awareness (from the CDC) and SafeSports training, which focuses on abuse awareness and prevention. CORI and Background Check: You'll be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a background check. These checks are necessary to guarantee the safety of all participants, and they are a top priority. Credential Badge: After completing the necessary courses and checks, you will receive a credential badge. This badge must be worn whenever you are representing the program. Equipment Bag: As a first-time head coach, consider ordering an equipment bag. It will contain essential items like pinnies, a first aid kit, cones, and an ice pack, which are crucial for practices and games at any level. Preparing for Your Coaching Role Attend Coaches Meetings: Depending on the age group you are coaching, you'll need to attend meetings. For Grade 3 and above teams, you'll attend a meeting with the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League (NVYSL). For all coaches, there is a GDYSC Coaches meeting where experienced coaches will answer questions and provide guidance on coaching soccer effectively. Understanding Team Selection: Below Grade 3, teams are usually formed to ensure a balance of 1st and 2nd graders for a fun playing experience. For Grade 3 and higher, player selection is based on coach feedback and evaluations conducted in the summer following the spring season. These evaluations help place players at the appropriate competitive level. Building Your Team Schedule: Once you have your roster, reach out to the parents and introduce yourself. Collaborate with them to find practice times that work for your team. You can request practice times from the Field Scheduler, and you will be assigned a time slot. Game schedules will also be posted by GDYSC and NVYSL on their respective websites. Conclusion Becoming a recreational soccer coach can be a highly rewarding experience. While this guide provides a basic overview, expect more helpful blog posts to come, covering topics such as effective practice strategies and in-game coaching tips. We hope this information gives you a clearer picture of what to expect as you volunteer your time and expertise to nurture young soccer talents in our community. Thank you for your dedication to GDYSC and youth soccer!