Coaches are appointed by the member clubs and serve at their pleasure. All GVSA coaches must have completed any 2 of the US Soccer Grassroots Courses in person (7v7, 9v9, 11v11), a USSF "E" License (or higher). The GVSA prefers that the Coach take one of the courses in Grassroots Pathway in which he plans to coach. New coaches have a period of one seasonal year to achieve this credential. It is encouraged for Coaches in the U15 and older age groups to obtain a USSF 'D' License. Please note: the United Soccer Coaches Education National Youth Diploma is not accepted as meeting the GVSA minimum license requirement. We do however encourage it as a continuing education opportunity.
All GVSA Coaches and Assistant Coaches must also have a GVSA Coaches GVSA issued pass card marked with SSC and CDC, and valid Risk Management to the referee. This certifies that a Background Check has been done and is for the overall safety of the players. Risk management is valid for one year from the date printed on the card. If it is expired, the coach must provide a risk management card showing they have renewed.
GVSA is a youth league and coaches should always remember that their words and actions, whether positive or negative, will make a lasting impression on the players they coach. Your primary job as a Coach is to instill a love of the game into the players. This means helping them improve as players and making sure the games and practices are always something the players look forward to. Winning games is irrelevant in younger age groups and assumes importance only as the players enter adolescence (around High School age) and begin to care about it themselves
As a coach, it is imperative you maintain proper decorum and demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times. There is no place in the game for abuse of the officials and players - the game belongs to the players, not the coaches and spectators.
Information about coaching education and online registration is available on the MSYSA state website https://www.michiganyouthsoccer.org/Coaching_Education/USSF_Coaching_Courses.htm
Upcoming Events:
Coach Education:
U.S. Soccer is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. U.S. Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires along the way.
Two of the Grassroots Offerings meet the GVSA coaching education requirement.
MSYSA In-Person Course Associated Costs:
7v7, 9v9, 11v11 = $70 (Does not include the US Soccer $25 surcharge)
Please visit the US Soccer Learning Center for all coaching education offerings and registration. These courses https://learning.ussoccer.com/coach
Continuing Education Opportunity:
National Youth Diploma
The overall objective of the National Youth Diploma is to support the coach in the understanding and implementation of developmentally appropriate training protocols. Particular attention is paid to players 11 and under, considering the physical, cognitive and social demands of the game. The course includes sessions in the classroom and on the field with peers and age appropriate players.
Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: None. United Soccer Coaches National Diploma or the U.S. Soccer 'D' License at a minimum are recommended Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old to attend
For all Coaching Education questions please contact Kellie McPherson, USSF Educator, Kelliemcpherson@aysounited.org