Coaches FAQ
Q: I'm interested in coaching and/or I have questions about coaching or the coaching program. Whom can I contact?
A: Our commissioner is Joel Andersen. You can reach him via email at coach@LaneYouthSoccer.org. We welcome any and all inquiries about coaching in our region, so please do not hesitate to contact our Coach Administrator!
Q: Can I coach in LYSA if I've never coached soccer before? What if I've never played?
A: Yes! No playing experience is necessary. We will train you, and we will provide you the resources you need. Please see our Important Dates page for current information on training and certification opportunities. For coach resources, please see next question.
Q: Do I need to conduct a practice? How to pick a practice time? Where do I conduct my practice? How do I handle player practice conflicts?
A: Yes, all teams should plan to practice once or twice per week. You can conduct your practice anywhere you like, but please note that you may need to get a permit or permission from whomever manages the field. LYSA has many fields around Eugene that are designated LYSA fields at specific dates and times. You are not required to use only these fields, but we recommend that you do.
Practices at U8 and above should be approximately one hour long. The day and time of your practice is ultimately at the discretion of you, the coach. We recommend that you try to identify 2-3 days/times that work for you, and then work with your families to figure out which one works best for all of you. That said, if you as the coach have only one day/time that works for you, then set that as your practice day/time.
If there are any players who can't make that practice time and would like to be switch to a team with a different practice time, please notify the Registrar at Registrar@LaneYouthSoccer.org. If and ONLY IF there is a player on a team that can be swapped 1-for-1 for your player, then we will move players around. No exceptions.
Q: Can you recommend some websites for me to learn more about coaching youth soccer?
A: Please check out our Coaches main page for some great materials and practice games / drills.
Q: How much training is involved?
A: For the lower divisions, U6-U12, total training time runs 3-5 hours. That's all LYSA requires in order for you to obtain your basic coach certification. However, we do require coaches to attend training every season regardless of past experience with us or other soccer organizations.
Q: Does LYSA provide coach training equipment? Cones? Soccer Balls?
A: LYSA does provide most of the training equipment you may need. When you pick up your rosters, you will be given a bag of equipment to use during the season. We do require you to return this equipment at the end of the season. The bags typically contain 8-12 balls, 20 disc cones, a ball pump, a first aid kit, line’s man flag and a keeper’s jersey (U10 & above). Any additional equipment must be provided by the coach. You can obtain additional cones and balls at any sporting goods store, including Direct Kick Soccer.
Q: I'm a coach, and I'm interested in getting more involved with the league on an administrative level. What can I do?
A: No matter what your experience level is, you might be a good candidate to assist the Board of Directors. Please contact any of the Board members for additional information or email the league commissioner, Joel Andersen: coach@LaneYouthSoccer.org.