Coach Requirements

After the assistant coaches do the requirements email me and I'll get them added to the roster. This may take a day or two.

1. Register to Coach for Spring 2025

2. Complete Your Assigned SafeSport Training

3. Get a Background Check

4. Head coaches must attend a KSA Coaches meeting (online or in-person). Reach out if you didn't get the email.

Latest Updates - 1/27/2025

  • Rosters are expected to be released this by the end of this week (to coaches who've completed their requirements).
  • Reach out to parents ASAP
  • Find at least one assistant coach. Assistant coaches need to do the coach requirements above. When they've completed the requirements, let me know and I'll get them added to the roster.
  • Let me know if you need assistance finding assistants, with email templates, practice plans, etc.
  • Let me know if you are the head coach of another KSA team aside from the U9 team.

Important Changes in U9

NMCSL nmcsl.com/
Starting in U9 KSA teams will play in the Northern Mid Cities Soccer League. The league consists of teams from other recreational associations in the surrounding area. Some of your games will be played at the KSA fields, but some of your games will be played at the other associations' fields.

There are divisions in NMCSL. In Fall 2024, no team had an official record yet (i.e., because in U8 and below scores aren't kept) there is a chance the divisions may be imbalanced in the Fall. However, in Spring 2025 the divisions are re-balanced based on teams' records.
Other Notable Changes
  • Goalies
  • Build Out Line
  • Keep Score
  • Smaller Sub-to-Player Ratio
  • Size 4 Ball
  • 7v7
  • Direct Kicks
  • 2 Halves

Learning Resources

These are some resource that would be helpful to get use to coaching the new 7v7 format for U9.
This is the gold standard. It's $26. It's 2 hours on-line and 2 hours in-person.
There are two upcoming that are close by from NTX:
This is a great course you can take anytime. It'll fully prepare you for new rules in 7v7 (e.g., the build out line) and covers current coaching practices encouraged by US Soccer (e.g., play-practice-play)
If you only do one thing to prepare, look at slides 24-39. It will tell you the new rules for 7v7.
It is from 2017, but it is the latest version of the document.
You will need to know the 7v7 playing format. There are a lot of changes from 4v4.

This is a very thorough document which describes coaching at all age groups.
This has some very good information about how to make soccer a positive experience for players, parents, coaches, etc.
This has some suggestions on how to make the most out of lopsided matches.
This guide was put together by our KSA Coach Mentor, Kristina. It has some very good info especially for new coaches.