How do I register to be a coach?

You may register to be a coach through our registration site at the same place that you registered your child to play.  Click the Register button at the top of the page.

What are the requirements to be a coach?

The following clearances are required to be a head or assistant coach:
  -State Police Criminal Record Check (provided free to volunteers)
  -PA Child Abuse History Clearance  (provided free to volunteers)
  -If PA resident for at least the past 10 years…a complete and notarized Volunteer affidavit
  -If PA resident for less than the past 10 years…FBI Criminal Background Check (requires purchase of clearance)
Please see the PA West site for more information.

What is the commitment required to be a coach?

Coaches for U8 through U14 are expected to run practices 1x or 2x per week, for 1.5 hours, depending on level of play.
Coaches are on the sidelines during games to instruct and organize players and substitute players in and out.
If a coach is unable to be at a game, he or she must find a replacement coach for the week.

Coaches for the Crickets program (U6) will lead practices and game play on Saturday mornings, 1.5 hour commitment per week.

As SFSA is a volunteer-run organization, coaches may also be asked to help paint lines on fields or help with other organizational needs.

How do I become an assistant coach?

Parent volunteers may sign up in the Registration system to be an assistant coach, or the head coach may recruit or ask for volunteers from an already-established team to be the assistant coach. Only 2 assistant coaches are allowed to be on the sidelines with the head coach during games.

Does SFSA provide suggested drills for practices?

See our new Practice Plans & Activities page for activities, drills and practice plans.

What are the rules and guidelines for game play at each level?

Soccer: Laws of the Game
Rules governing PA West can be found on the PA West site.

How do I schedule field time for practices?

Fields are already reserved during the season for set practice and game times at either Fairview, Hogan or Preservation fields/parks.  When you know that you are a head coach, you may select your choices of practice days.  In-house teams practice 1x per week, while travel teams may practice 2x per week.  Inform the in-house or travel coordinator of your choice of practice days as soon as you know that you will be coaching.

What items might I find helpful for coaching a team?

Please reference our Youth Soccer Shopping List for some items that might be useful for coaching.