FUSC Coaches Expectations
Coaching varies a lot by age level. However, some expectations apply to all coaches.
• Foster a fun and inclusive environment for all players.
• Display good sportsmanship towards opponents and officials.
• Help develop life skills, not just soccer skills.
• Make an effort to develop your coaching skills.
• Collaborate with other coaches to share knowledge and tips.
• Complete SafeSport and Safe & Healthy playing enviroment courses.
• Follow FUSC rules and guidelines provided at a coaches’ meeting prior to the season.
• Provide clear communication with parents regarding practices, games, and expectations.
• Follow the FUSC and BAYS zero-tolerance policy regarding behavior.
PreK-K Coaches Expectations
Fun, fun, and more fun! Soccer is the perfect sport for this young age as we can all run and try to kick a ball. Don’t know anything about soccer, no problem! FUSC provides recommended practice plans, and representatives will be onsite at the sessions to assist as needed.
• Have fun! The number one goal is for all kids to sign up for soccer next season.
• Learn by playing! Avoid talking too much.
• Be patient – kids at this age level experience a wide range of emotions.
• Recognize the differences in size and skill level when creating groups. A smaller pre-K child is very different from a larger kindergartner.
1st/2nd Grade Coaches Expectations
This is where many kids and coaches start! The focus is still on fun, but the kids should also start learning some rules and positions. But don’t worry, no offsides!
• Learning by playing is still the best approach!
• Start teaching offense and defense.
• Teach the rules on goal kicks and throw-ins.
• Focus on passing and sharing the ball, as most kids will struggle with positions.
• Give equal playing time to all players.
• Encourage thanking the referees, who are often new and learning.
• Recognize the differences in size and skill level when creating groups.
• Do not keep score. Keep the focus on fun for your team and the opponent.
3rd/4th Grade Coaches Expectations
Whether you are coaching travel or town, there are many similarities with 1st/2nd grade. There is still no offsides! Focus on fun and developing skills. Your expectations may increase at this level, but remember, the kids are still young and learning.
• Learn by playing.
• Start emphasizing positions, including staying in the correct area of the field.
• Start teaching plays: goal kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, etc.
• Encourage communication on the field.
• Focus on development and not wins and losses.
• Encourage sportsmanship. The increased competition can lead to a focus on winning.
• Travel coaches: sign up for a tournament. They’re fun!
5th/6th Grade Coaches Expectations
Welcome to 9 v 9 and offsides! If you started coaching younger ages, don’t worry. You can learn the new rules, and your experience from the lower levels will help.
• Emphasize the X’s and O’s of the positions.
• Teach communication on the field.
• Start identifying positions for your players, but be flexible as they grow.
• Attend a fall and spring tournament.
• As the competition level increases, so should your focus on sportsmanship!
• Manage parents' expectations. We need coaches to communicate and help enforce BAYS and FUSC sportsmanship policies.
7th/8th Grade Coaches Expectations
You are now coaching the full 11 v 11 game! A commitment and knowledge of the game is important. Competition is a great learning experience if done well. Ups and downs happen in sports and real life. This is also a time of rapid growth and change for the kids.
• Have a good understanding of the rules and strategy.
• Dedicate time to developing your coaching skills via clinics and certifications.
• Focus on player safety! Heading and the faster game can lead to injuries.
• Consider mental health. This is a transition phase for many young athletes.
• Manage parents' expectations. We need coaches to communicate and help enforce BAYS and FUSC sportsmanship policies.