Requirements

• Coaching adolescent soccer can be a daunting--though pleasurable--experience. Popular sporting and activity organizations such as the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) have guidelines for coaches. Such guidelines focus on team play, physical activity and the general welfare of its youth soccer players. More competitive organizations such as U.S. Youth Soccer require coaches to go through a licensing process. This process ensures that potential coaches meet certain criteria levels in order to best develop future soccer players.
  
  

Training

• As players get older, it is expected that their overall skill and coordination levels will increase. Depending on the age bracket, training methods change in regards to drill types, intensity and other general coaching tactics. At early stages of development, such as those under the age of 6, coaches may focus on balance and dribbling. As kids grow older, more complex ideas--such as attacking the wings and flanks--may be introduced to the children in stages, as suggested by U.S. Youth Soccer.
  
  

Expectations

• When coaching kids, it is important to remember that "Young athletes are not little adults," as stated by Brian Grasso of U.S. Youth Soccer. Kids have limited attention capacity and need to be encouraged and instilled with confidence as they mature. Coaches should utilize varying methods to keep kids interested and concentrating on the game. As kids grow into young adults, the stages of coaching and development will evolve with the players. Kids between the ages of 6 and 14 should be treated as children and adolescents, not as professional athletes.
  
  

Benefits

• Soccer is primarily an outdoor sport. Not knowing much about soccer shouldn't stop someone from coaching. Organizations such as the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) provide potential coaches with proper training materials. Assistant coaching positions are also available for those who want to help coach kids' soccer.
  
  

On the Rise

• Soccer is arguably the world's most popular sport, though the United States lags in soccer recognition as compared to the rest of the world. As of January 2009, the U.S. Youth Soccer League is the "largest youth sports organization," according to Katie Holland of the Ledger Enquirer. With soccer teams, associations and clubs on the rise in the U.S., the need for kids' soccer coaches is also expected to rise.