Whether you are still in the learning phase of coaching or you have been coaching for years, you are more than welcome to sign up to coach one of our amazing divisions. Irving Soccer Association does not require formal licensing. However, we do require completion of several standard Safe Sport modules to ensure that you understand the expectations set forth by North Texas Soccer. For Irving Soccer Association, coaches frequently receive emails with opportunities for coaching and formal licensing opportunities in-person and online for those who are interested.

As coach of your team, you have the bonus opportunity to decide what days practice is held as well as time and location. Other responsibilities may include: Communicating with parents/guardians on any updates i.e. soccer schedules, ordering uniforms, changes to game time/practice, picture day communication etc.

Yes you may use this link to review roster information as upheld by North Texas Soccer

If you are interested in taking the next step to becoming a coach, please email info@irvingsoccer.org  to request a Coaching Application Form. Once completed, please email the completed form to info@irvingsoccer.org and directorofcoaching@irvingsoccer.org.

Once the form has been processed you will be given the next steps to complete Safe Sport coaching training through GotSport and completion of a background check.

***Please Note: You will not be given a badge, not be assigned to a team, nor be able to coach any games until both the background check and Safe Sport have been completed.

Please email a screenshot of completion of your certificates to directorofcoaching@irvingsoccer.org and we will have your account updated accordingly and/or advise what additional action needs to be taken.

Still have questions? Please email info@irvingsoccer.org and directorofcoaching@irvingsoccer.org

Getting Started With Your Team:
So you’re a brand new coach and never done it before? This is overwhelming and can be a daunting task, but you can simplify this process for yourself to get your organization together and ready for the upcoming season(s). Below are steps you should take before you even start your planning your first practice:

1) Start a team group chat
Many coaches are partial to a free application called “SportsYou”. This application is used by many teams in middle schools, high schools, and club sports right now. In this application you have the ability to have a team chat, post announcements, schedule games. Etc. If that’s more than you’re willing to handle, you have to at least get a group chat together and start building the relationships between your team.

2) Find an assistant coach AND a team manager
It is really difficult to manage youth sports. You need parent involvement from other parents to make sure that you are organized and not overwhelmed. Managers and assistant coaches, so long as their training requirements are met, will receive lanyards and can be on the player & coach sideline with you.

• • Assistant coach: use this person to help you plan practice and coach in game. They should also be comfortable taking over for you if you have to miss a game or practice
  • Manager: use this person to plan team snacks, team events at end of season, manage the team communication (scheduling games and practices, etc) This organization will help you and will prevent burnout!!!

3) Establish a day and time of the week that will always work for practices!
How much you practice is up to you. Many coaches can only handle one practice, once a week, for about 30 minutes. Gauge your practices based on the age of your kids and the time for everyone. This is a grassroots league meant to expose young kids to the game of soccer and help them learn to play the sport and build a relationship with the sport.

As your team gets older, practicing twice a week is beneficial as more players are on the field, more tactics need to be learned, and more skills need to be developed.

4) Become familiar with soccer coaching resources
Below is a list of some coaching resources that you can use. Many are free, but some require a subscription:

• North Texas Soccer
• North Texas Soccer YouTube Channel
• Soccer Coaching Weekly
• Soccer Drive
• Soccer Xpert

You will need to learn to plan your practices but there are plenty of resources out there to help you out!

Please know that if you ever have any questions about coaching, you are welcome to email our Director of Coaching at directorofcoaching@irvingsoccer.org.

Under 6 Specific Resources (Link to All North Texas Resources):

• Example Lesson Plan
• Example Game
• Example Dribbling Drill
• Example Passing Drill
• Example Reaction & Speed Drill

Under 8 Specific Resources (Link to All North Texas Resources):

• Example Lesson Plan
• Example Game
• Example Dribbling Drill
• Example Passing Drill
• Example Receiving Drill
• 1v1 Drill

Under 10 Specific Resources (Link to AllNorth Texas Resources):

• Example Lesson Plan
• Small Sided Game Example
• Defending Drill Example
• Dribbling Drill Example
• Game Example
• Passing Drill Example
• Receiving Drill Example

Under 12 Specific Resources (Link to All North Texas Resources):

• Example Lesson Plan
• Small Sided Game Example
• Defending Drill Example
• Dribbling Drill Example
• Final Third Drill Example
• Heading Drill Example
• Penetration Drill Example
• Possession Drill Example
• Receiving Drill Example
• Spatial Awareness Drill Example
• Switching Play Drill Example

Under 16 Resources (Not Referenced on North Texas Soccer Website):

• Playlist of TikTok Skill Drills
• Barcelona Positional Rondos
• Playing Out of the Back Rondo
• Through Ball Shooting Drill
• Crossing and Finishing Drill (3v2)
• Diagonal Run and Finishing Drill
• 3 Team Passing Drill

Goalkeeper Drills:

• Goalkeeper Diving Activation
• Footwork and Diving Drill (All Age Appropriate)
• Adidas Goalkeeper Training Drills
• Fundamental Goalkeeper Drills
• Basic Goalkeeper Drills