Coaching Resources

Coaching Volunteers: The Driving Force of MYSA

At MYSA, our coaching volunteers are the lifeblood of everything we do. They create the fun, foster growth, and build the camaraderie that makes our program so special. Without their dedication, we couldn’t field competitive teams each fall and spring, or help our young athletes grow into tomorrow’s leaders.

This section of our website is designed for coaches—providing the tools, guidance, and resources they need to put their best foot forward. From helpful coaching tips and guides to credentialing information, we take the guesswork out of coaching so volunteers can focus on what matters most: inspiring and developing our players.

Announcement: Final Fall Season Games 11/1/2025

What's in the bag?

Every Intramural and Travel Program coach receives a MYSA ball bag at the start of each season. To make sure everyone has what they need for practices and games, we’re asking all coaches to do a quick bag audit. Here’s what should be inside:

    • First Aid kit – the basics, including ice packs, band-aids, and other essentials.

    • Goalie gloves – decent quality ones that aren’t too worn for use during games.

    • Pennies – for scrimmages and practice drills.

    • Cones and discs – let us know if you need more so you can run practices effectively.

    • Ball pump – to keep your balls game-ready.

    • Balls – both game and practice balls. We recently purchased new Nike balls (2 types). Please make sure you have those, and that all your balls hold air. Also, check the size: G2 uses size 3, G4 and G6 use size 4, G8 uses size 5.

      If anything is missing or needs restocking, please let us know. We want every coach fully equipped so practices run smoothly and players have the best experience possible.

Something missing?

Travel Coaches: Get Logged into ECYSA

All rostered coaches should log in to the ECYSA website before the season begins. This is your hub for everything you need as a coach:

  • Update your contact info so other coaches can reach you and your team.
  • Access your team roster, schedules, and standings.
  • Submit game scores and referee evaluations quickly and easily.
  • Print your coach card and game day materials directly from the system.

If you haven’t logged in yet, check your email for the auto-login link or create a username and password in your profile. Problems logging in? Email [email protected] for help.

Getting logged in early means no last-minute scrambling and ensures you have the tools you need to put your best foot forward on game day.

Go to ECYSA Login & Coach Resources

Additional Coaching Education Resources

Mandatory Registration Requirement

Since the Fall of 2019, Mass Youth Soccer has required mandatory registration and safety requirements for all adult (18 years and older) coaches and volunteers, including approval/clearance of Massachusetts CORI and National Background Checks, and State and National Sex Offender Registry. Please complete the annual registration  and background check information on the Massachusetts Youth Soccer SportsConnect Registration Portal. 

Required US Soccer Abuse Prevention and Concussion Awareness Certification

MYSA coaches are required to have a current SafeSport Abuse Prevention Training certification annually. Additionally, coaches must complete the Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments course to fulfill the required concussion awareness training every two years.  Both courses are accessed through the US Soccer Learning Center.  Parents often request information on concussions, so we have included links and helpful material on prevention and treatment.

Heads_Up_Action_Plan_MYSA

Heads_Up_Concussion_Fact_Sheet_for_Parents_MYSA

Heads_Up_Concussion_Fact_Sheet_for_Coaches (1)

https://nfhslearn.com/courses/concussion-in-sports-2

www.cdc.gov/headsup

Grassroots Training

All coaches should take the time to take Grassroots training to receive their age-appropriate (7v7, 9v9, 11v11) Grassroots certification. Courses are available either online or in-person, and MYSA will reimburse any related course fees after completion. MYSA is also taking advantage of opportunities to host educational sessions for Mass Youth Soccer as often as possible, which is a great way for our coaches to get certification, while staying local! Sign up when you see an offering!

Coaches and parents can also find out more about the Grassroots “Play-Practice-Play” method in this presentation from U.S. Soccer. 

Other Coaching Training Options

Visit the US Soccer Digital Coaching Center to view a current schedule and register for additional nearby options.  MYSA will reimburse course fees for participating coaches after completion.  Just email the certificate to us at [email protected] once the course is finished.  All travel coaches are required to have an age-appropriate Grassroots License (or equivalent).

Player Safety

Please review our MYSA Coaching Handbook for information on coaching techniques, development of players, and Grassroots-based practice plans.

Coaches Handbook

Please review our MYSA Coaching Handbook for information on coaching techniques, development of players, and Grassroots-based practice plans.

Laws of the Game

The complete laws of the game is available on .pdf for download.

Sportsmanship

This documentary by ESPN on sportsmanship is a valuable and moving perspective on what truly matters most.  Please note that the video will display on YouTube in a separate browser.

Practice Plans

Mass Youth Soccer offers comprehensive practice plans on their web site, which help coaches of all age groups with guidance on how to organize practices and develop their players’ skills. 

Podcasts worth checking out

 

Want to get involved?

Join the team! Volunteering with MYSA is a fun and rewarding way to support our kids, build community, and keep the love of soccer thriving in Marblehead.

Get Involved