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West Allegheny Youth Soccer Association

West Allegheny Youth Soccer Association

Coaches Corner

Coach Expectations

Volunteer Role Description – 6U and 8U Academy

As an Academy Coach, you will play a key role in developing young players in a fun, structured environment. 

Weekly Practice Session - both 6U and 8U will have one day of practice

• Coaches will work with small groups of players during practice.

• Each group will rotate through stations focused on technical skills, ball control, passing, and game awareness.  The academy director will provide volunteers with the activities to use

• Volunteers are expected to provide positive instruction, encourage participation, and create an engaging learning atmosphere.

Games - 8U only

• Teams are formed on game day to promote flexibility and inclusivity.

• Coaches will be assigned a team for that day and will guide players through warm-ups, team organization, and in-game coaching.

• The emphasis is on sportsmanship, learning, and fun rather than competition.


Key Responsibilities:

• Foster a positive, supportive environment for all players.

• Teach age-appropriate soccer fundamentals and teamwork.

• Communicate clearly with players and parents.

• Ensure safety and fair play at all times.


Ideal Coach Qualities:

• Enthusiastic and patient with young athletes.

• Strong communicator and motivator.

• Committed to player development and enjoyment of the game.

In House Coach Expectations - 10U and 12U

Coaches play a vital role in creating a positive, safe, and development-focused environment for all players. Responsibilities include:

Practices

  • Lead one practice per week during the league’s designated practice time.

  • Follow the provided practice plans, which are designed to support age-appropriate skill development and consistency across teams.

  • Arrive prepared and on time with necessary equipment.

  • Create a fun, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere for all players.

Games

  • Be present and coach all Saturday games as scheduled.

  • Ensure players are supported, rotated fairly, and encouraged during games.

  • Emphasize learning, effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship over winning.

  •  Respect all referee calls and help support our youth referees

If unable to attend a scheduled practice or game, coaches are responsible for finding an approved substitute and notifying the league coordinator in advance.

Coach Qualifications

  • A positive attitude and enthusiasm for working with youth players ages 9–12.

  • Commitment to player development in a recreational, in-house setting.

  • Ability to follow provided practice plans and league guidelines.

  • Willingness to communicate openly and collaborate with league leadership.

  • Reliability and availability for weekly practices and Saturday games.

  • Basic knowledge of soccer rules and gameplay (prior coaching or playing experience not required).

  • Completion of any required league background checks, trainings, or certifications.

  • Alignment with the league’s mission, values, and code of conduct.

Travel Coach Requirements

Travel coaches play a critical role in advancing player development while representing the club at a higher competitive level. Coaches are expected to uphold the club’s mission, values, and standards at all times.

Practices

  • Lead 90-minute practices during the outdoor season on assigned practice days and times.

  • Utilize designated indoor training space prior to the spring season, as scheduled by the club.

  • Follow club-approved practice frameworks and training guidelines to ensure consistent player development across teams.

  • Arrive prepared with a structured plan and appropriate equipment.

  • Maintain a safe, positive, and development-focused training environment.

Games & Competitions

  • Attend and coach all Sunday league games and scheduled competitions.

  • Travel to all games as required; consistent coach presence is an expectation of the role.

  • Arrive on time and prepared, with a printed team roster for all matches.

  • Manage substitutions, playing time, and match conduct in alignment with club and league policies.

  • Emphasize learning, effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship alongside competitive play.

Training & Professional Development

  • Complete all required coaching education and certifications, both in-person and online.

  • Required training will be coordinated through the club; WAYSA will cover associated costs.

  • Stay current with league rules, policies, and best practices for youth player development.

Player Development & Team Management

  • Support individual and team development in line with the club’s long-term player pathway.

  • Foster a positive team culture that promotes accountability, resilience, and respect.

  • Use club-provided team-building funds to intentionally support team bonding, engagement, and unity (e.g., team events, activities, or shared experiences).

Travel Coach Qualifications

  • Commitment to competitive player development in a travel soccer environment.

  • Prior coaching and/or playing experience preferred.

  • Ability to plan and lead structured, high-quality 90-minute training sessions.

  • Willingness to complete all required coaching education and certifications.

  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

  • Reliability and availability for weekday practices, Sunday games, and required travel.

  • Willingness to represent the club positively at all events.

  • Completion of all required background checks and safety training.

  • Alignment with the club’s mission, values, and expectations for professionalism.







Obtaining Clearances

Becoming a Coach

  • Obtain Your PA Required Clearances:
    • Child Abuse Certifications (PA Dept. of Human Services) is required of volunteer and paid coaches.
    • Criminal History Record Certification (Pennsylvania State Police Reports) is required of volunteer and paid coaches.
    • Federal Criminal History Certification (FBI Reports) is required of all paid coaches and volunteers who have not resided in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years.  This is also acceptable for volunteers who have lived in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years.
    • Notarized Affidavit for Volunteer Exemption from FBI Certification is acceptable for volunteers who have lived in PA for at least the previous 10 continuous years
    • Register to coach & upload your clearance information:  http://pa-bgc.sportsaffinity.com/reg/index.asp?sessionguid=
    •  Click on the link below for information on obtaining your coaches clearances:  Risk Management
    •  Go to the link below to take the free Grassroots Introduction course:  Grassroots Introduction Course
    •  PA West Coaching Clinic:   Scheduled Courses
  • Instructions on how to upload clearances and apply for approval are below.  Please note that you will not be cleared to coach until these instructions are followed.

    Go to this link: https://pa-bgc.sportsaffinity.com/reg/index.asp?sessionguid=

    1. Click on the blue “To begin REGISTRATION please click here” at the top of the page. DO NOT

      USE THE LOGIN BOX IN THE UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER.

    2. Login with your Sports Connect user ID and password. (The same as used to sign up your child to play.)

    3. On the page that opens you will be asked to select a season (Spring 2026). Under Registration Type check the box for ‘PA West Background Check Registration’, and click Continue.

    4. On the next page you will see all family members listed. There are options to add family members or to Continue, you want to Continue.

    5. The next screen will list all those eligible to register. To the right of your name, you will see a‘Register as Coach/Admin’ button. Click that.

    6. A new window will open asking you to select the play level and the only option is ‘Background Check’.

    7. Once you select that, your information will come up on the screen. In the middle of this screen,you will see ‘click here to show photo or certification upload’.

    8. This is where you will upload documents. Required documents are a photo of yourself, Safesport verification, Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance, and Volunteer Affidavit. (Or an FBI background check if not a PA resident for the past 10 years.) If all of the required documents have already been provided by you, you will see them pop up here.

    9. Towards the bottom of this same screen, you will see ‘Club Additional Information’. SelectWest Allegheny. (You can skip the Admin Information section.)

    10. At the bottom, select ‘Save and Next Page’.

    11. Walk through the rest of the steps. Accept the ELA’s if there are any (they may not apply, butyou can’t go any further if you don’t). Click ‘Agree & Continue’ at the bottom.

    12. The Payment page will come up and should say no payment due. Click the ‘No Payment Due, Continue’ button.

    13. You should see a screen that registration is now complete.

    14. The application will now go under review for approval. You can log out.

    15. You should also receive an email from PA West thanking you for uploading your background check documents.

Required Certifications

Travel Coaches: 

All travel coaches are required to complete their certifications, based on age level. (Paid for by WAYSA)

9-U, 10-U, 11-U, 12-U Travel Coaches:

  • Minimum requirements:  Any of the following: Online and IN PERSON: 7v7, 9v9, 11v11

  • Other acceptable certifications: USSF E License or greater, or USC equivalent, or USYS National Youth Certificate

13U & Older Travel Coaches: 

  • Minimum requirements: Online and IN PERSON: 11v11

  • Other acceptable certifications: USSF E License or greater, or USC equivalent, or USYS National Youth Certificate

Academy and In House Coaches: 

  • Academy (6U/8U) Minimum requirements: Online Grass Roots Module, other acceptable certifications: USSF F license or greater, or USC equivalent, or USYS National Youth Certificate

  • 10U and 12U Minimum requirements: Any of the following online : 7v7 or 9v9,  other acceptable certifications: USSF F license or greater, or USC equivalent, or USYS National Youth Certificate

Academy Director(s):

  • Minimum requirements: National C License 

Contact

West Allegheny Youth Soccer Association
P.O. Box 540 
Imperial, Pennsylvania 15126

Email: [email protected]

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