Elk Grove United Soccer Club serves the city of Elk Grove CA. Teams compete from ages 4-18, and playing levels include Recreational, Academy and Comp. Finding coaches for these teams is one of our top priorities (and a major undertaking for the club) each season.
We also understand that quality coaching and continuous coaching education is essential for player retention. Simply put, if kids are learning, being challenged in an age-appropriate manner, and having fun, then they will continue to play soccer.
Coaching Opportunities
We rely on both professional and volunteer coaches, depending on the age and playing level of the teams involved. We believe in continuous improvement in all areas of player and team development and that coaching education and mentoring is the catalyst to delivering on these core values. Therefore, we invest in professional coaches where they can have the greatest benefit in supporting player and team development.
In our Recreational Program, where the emphasis is primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high-level competition, we rely mostly on volunteer coaches. We introduce professional coaching in our Academy and Comp Program, where the emphasis is to introduce players to a more formal and faster-paced level of technical training that will prepare them for higher levels of play at U10 and above. In our Comp Program, the emphasis is to provide a more rigorous training environment and a higher level of competition for experienced players. Here, we rely on our professional coaches to lead the technical and tactical development of the teams. Our volunteer coaches, managers, and professional coaches work together as a coaching staff for the benefit of the team.
Most of our current Comp team coaches/managers have followed a similar coaching pathway. While some do not have, kids playing, many began coaching when their kids were in the Rec leagues and continued to learn and improve as their teams transitioned through the Comp program. Some coaches progressed into the Academy Program and later the Comp Program, where they were required to obtain additional coaching licenses that focused on the appropriate methods for coaching higher-level players and teams.
How to Get Involved
Whether you are a novice or experienced coach, or a professional trainer, we have a place for you in our club. We simply ask that you do your best, continue to learn, maintain a “players-first” mentality, and run your sessions and games in a fun, age-appropriate manner. We will give you all the tools and support you need to be successful. We want you to have fun learning and working with your team!
Register to Coach HERE
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, reach out to Hugo Flores at techdirector@elkgroveunited.org
FAQ – Frequently asked Questions about Coaching Youth Soccer at Elk Grove United
What are the requirements to become a good youth soccer coach?
Enjoy working with kids
Understand it is about them, not you
Use the tools available to you and try to learn something every day
What resources and on-boarding support does Elk Grove United provide for new coaches?
100% reimbursement for all formal coaching course fees, including USSF or NSCAA classes
A player and team development curriculum
Continuing education and mentoring from our Professional Staff
What are the requirements to coach a Recreational Team?
USSF F License (online – 2 hours)
Attend a preseason coaching orientation session (approx. 90 minutes)
What are the requirements to coach an Academy Team?
USSF F License (required)
USSF E License (required after first year)
USSF D License (recommended)
What are the requirements to coach a Comp Team?
USSF F License + USSF E License (required)
USSF D License (required for U13 and older required after second year)
Where can I learn more about the various USSF Coaching Certification Courses and Schedules?
US Soccer Federation Coaching License Pathway
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