Coaching Recreational Soccer
Recreational soccer coaching places an emphasis on building individual and team skills for all levels of players. Most teams practice twice a week and apply skills learned in a non-competitive game environment on the weekend. Score is not officially kept at the recreational level, as the games are designed to be fun. Individuals and teams may choose to keep score, however, as a way to gage individual and team progress, for enhancing the learning of the great game of soccer.
A coach can anticipate a time committment of two hours of practice each week, with one game on the weekends (usually Saturday). The season is broken up into fall and spring sessions. The fall season typically will last 7-8 weeks, and will involve a few weeks of practices before games actually begin. The spring season runs 5-6 weeks, and is a continuation of the fall session. As such, this session begins with practices and games held each week.
If interested in becoming an East Lansing Soccer Club Coach at the recreational level, you may indicate so on your child's registration form or contact the community leader. If you are considering becoming a ELSC Rec Coach, it is generally recommended that First through Fourth Grade teams have an assistant coach or two. This makes it easier for skills to be taught in smaller groups.
Requirements for Coaching Recreational Soccer
- Any interested person is eligible; prior soccer experience is helpful, but not required and on going training is available.
- The head coach must be 18 or older.
- A background check is required.
- A positive attitude and non competitive approach is a must.
- Assistant coaches are strongly suggested for all teams.
For more information on rules for the different levels of play, expectations of coaches, and other specific information related to coaching for the ELSC, please use the Quick Links located in the blue field to the right.
