Grow as a Coach
Training & Certification
There are two separate training tracks — both important. Complete them in the right order and you'll be ready and confident before you step on the field.
How to access all training: All training is available through
AYSOU. To reach AYSOU, sign in to
ayso206.org first, then select
AYSOU from the left menu. Do not navigate to AYSOU directly — sign in through ayso206.org first.
These four items are non-negotiable requirements for every AYSO volunteer. Complete them as soon as possible after registering — they are not prerequisites for the Dove Mountain certification session, but must be done before you coach your first player session.
1
Safe Haven
AYSO's comprehensive child protection program. Covers recognizing and reporting abuse, creating safe environments, and your legal obligations as a mandatory reporter. Approx. 2 hours.
2
Concussion Awareness
CDC-certified training on recognizing concussion symptoms, your legal obligations, and medical clearance requirements. Approx. 30 minutes.
3
Cardiac Arrest Awareness
Recognition and response to cardiac events in young athletes. Know the warning signs before you ever need to act. Approx. 20 minutes.
4
Background Check
You submit your personal details through AYSOU. AYSO Region 206 covers the fee. A third-party agency conducts the check. Required before you can coach.
Access all four items by signing in to
ayso206.org and selecting
AYSOU from the left menu.
⚠️
This applies to assistant coaches too. Every assistant coach must be registered with AYSO and must complete all four compliance modules — Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, Cardiac Arrest, and Background Check — before coaching any player session. Risk status must be cleared before they step on the field. Direct questions to
Mike Gonzales (CVPA).
Optional — Additional Qualification
+
SafeSport optional
The US Center for SafeSport certification is a nationally recognised child safeguarding qualification. Not required by AYSO Region 206, but a valuable additional credential for any coach working with young people.
Coach certification has two parts — online first, then in-person. The in-person session at Dove Mountain CSTEM builds on what you cover online, so please complete the online module for your age group before attending.
1
Complete your online coaching module — via AYSOU
Sign in to
ayso206.org and select AYSOU from the left menu. Complete the coaching module for
your specific age group — 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, or 14U. Each module is self-paced and free.
2
Attend the in-person certification session — Dove Mountain CSTEM
Two identical sessions are available — choose either date. Sessions are split by age group morning and afternoon.
📅 Saturday, Aug 22
6U & 8U · 9:30am – 12:00pm
10U, 12U & 14U · 1:00 – 4:30pm
📅 Friday, Aug 29
6U & 8U · 9:30am – 12:00pm
10U, 12U & 14U · 1:00 – 4:30pm
📍 Dove Mountain CSTEM · Marana, AZ
💧 Bring water · 📓 Paper and pen · ⚽ Soccer ball if available · 👟 Athletic shoes or cleats
Important: Please complete your online AYSOU coaching module for your age group before attending Dove Mountain. The in-person session builds on that foundation.
🏆 Go Further — Additional Certifications
Want to deepen your coaching? AYSO U offers a full certification pathway beyond the required modules.
AYSO offers a full coaching certification pathway through AYSOU. The 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U certifications are the ones coaches complete as part of Track 2 above. The pathway continues from there:
1
6U, 8U, 10U & 12U Certifications
Age-group specific certifications completed as part of Track 2 — online module via AYSOU followed by in-person session at Dove Mountain CSTEM. This is where every coach starts.
2
Intermediate Certification
The next step up in the AYSO coaching pathway. Requires completion of both an online component via AYSOU and an in-person session — both parts must be completed. Great for coaches who want to deepen their understanding of game methodology and player development.
3
Advanced Certification
For experienced coaches looking to reach the highest level of AYSO certification. Requires both online and in-person components. Talk to John Parkin if you're interested in pursuing this.
4
National Certification
The highest level of AYSO coaching certification. Classes are rare — none have run in the Tucson area in recent years — but the certification exists for coaches who reach that level. Something to aspire to.
All AYSO certifications are accessed through AYSOU. Sign in to
ayso206.org and select AYSOU from the left menu. Talk to John Parkin for guidance on which certification to pursue next.
💬 "Training" — not "Practice"
"Practice" implies repetition of something already known. "Training" signals growth, intentional learning, and improvement. Use AYSO language with your players and parents.
✅ Training Session · ✅ Activity · ✅ Play–Practice–Play