Coach at GSSA

Welcome! GSSA is powered by volunteer coaches who model our values of Fun, Respect, and Development. If you’re thinking about coaching—or you’re already on the roster—this page explains why it’s rewarding, what’s required, how to get started, and how we’ll support you all season long.

What’s Required of Coaches

To keep players safe and our league in good standing with SAY North District:

1. Background Check
2. Concussion Safety Training (Ohio-compliant)
3. SafeSport / Abuse Prevention Training

Note: Medical Consent forms are not required to coach, but signed Medical Consent forms and your signed SAY roster are required to be with you at all times when coaching. Please keep those in your bag

Make It Fun for Kids

• Uniform Lettering: Kids love seeing their names on their jerseys.

• Parents vs. Kids Game: Schedule one late in the season—players love it!

• Snack & Drink Schedule: Assign a parent to organize snacks and drinks for each game.

• Post-Season Party: Ask parents to bring pizza, snacks, drinks, and dessert for your parents vs. kids game.

Training Tips & Practice Plan Structure

GSSA coaches focus on fun, active, and engaging practices that keep kids moving and learning. Here’s a simple 45–60 minute model that works well for all ages. (Ohio Soccer Association Coaches Manual  and US Soccer Coach's Toolkit):

Quick Start (10 minutes)
- When players arrive, have small 1v1 or 2v2 games ready so they can start playing immediately.
- Encourage scoring goals and competing in short, fun matches.

Ball Mastery & Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Use fun games where every player has a ball.
- Focus on lots of touches—dribbling, turns, and control.

Skill Focus (15 minutes)
- Choose one theme: scoring, passing, dribbling, or moving the ball down the field.
- Keep activities short, competitive, and age-appropriate.

Scrimmage (20 minutes)
- End with a game that emphasizes the day’s focus.
- Encourage teamwork, effort, and creativity.

Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
- Recap what they learned.
- End with a quick team cheer and positive encouragement.

Simple, Fun Ball Handling Activities

• 9 Animal Themed activities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHnAskgdEbk
• Best Beginner Soccer Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SonHSskV6w
•  10 Best U6 Soccer Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoYtwkme5HI
•  Advanced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwHEwfhWECM
  

Additional Coaching Resources

• Ohio Soccer Association Coaches Manual
•  US Soccer Coach's Toolkit
•  Creating Space
•  Manipulating Practice Variables
  

Game Day Basics (Quick Guide)

• Arrive early. Set up warm-up cones & confirm player equipment (shinguards, water, cleats).

• Sportsmanship first. Pre/post-game handshakes; model respectful sideline behavior.

• Equal play philosophy. Aim to maximize touches & learning for all players. Each player must play 50% of the game.

• Referee respect. Support our referees—many are learning too. Address concerns calmly after the quarter. Phrase concerns as a question: What did you see there?

• Injury protocol. Stop play when needed; use first-aid kit; document incidents to admin if applicable.
  

Kickoff Checklist: Preparing for a Great Season

• ✅ Complete Certifications: background check, concussion/SafeSport trainings

• ✅ Attend New Coaches Clinic:

  • Sat 3/01/25, 10–12 PM @ Weller Park

  • Sun 3/08/25, 1–3 PM @ Weller Park

  • RSVP: [email protected]

• ✅ Uniform Lettering: info sent via email

• ✅ Official Rosters Due: 4/01/25 (sign + submit)

• ✅ Uniform, Equipment & Referee Check Pickup:
  Sat, March 8 • 10:00–11:30 AM
  Circle Storage, 10988 Deerfield Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242 (near Range USA)

On the Field: Coaching Through the Season

• Practices Start: week of March 10 (Instructional: meet & greet that week)

• Games: start March 29 • Season ends May 17

• Picture Days: April 7, 8, 9, 10
  (Check schedule—ensure Head Coach name is listed correctly.)

• Picture Pickup: May 5 (tentative)

Final Whistle: Wrapping Up the Season

• Equipment Return: Tue, May 20 • 5:30–7:00 PM
  Circle Storage, 10988 Deerfield Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242 (near Range USA)

• Post-Season Awards: 1st place & runner-up medals at season end by Level Coordinator.
  Instructional: all teams receive a trophy.
  Instructional team names due by Mar 15, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior coaching or soccer experience?
No. The clinic, practice plans, and mentor coaches will set you up for success.

Can I coach my child’s team?
Yes—note this when you volunteer.

Do I need an assistant coach?
Yes, you need an assistant coach to stay compliant with the TimesX2 Policy, where two coaches are required on the sideline. We’ll pair you with an assistant coach, if you don't have someone in mind. 

What if I need to miss a game?
Coordinate with your assistant or another coach in your age group; notify families via Game Changer.

Weather cancellations?
Please follow the weather policy for cancellations.

Contact

• General & Volunteering: [email protected]

• Referee Questions: [email protected]

• Level Coordinators: Level Coordinators are the main contact for all coaches. 

Downloads & Links

• Concussion Training: 

• SafeSport Training:

• Game Changer: https://gc.com/download