RecreationalCoachingResources

Recruitment

Becoming a Recreational Volunteer House League Coach

Have you considered coaching youth house league soccer? At OSC, all house league coaches are volunteers, and no formal soccer or coaching experience is necessary. The most important qualities you need are a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

As a volunteer at OSC, you will receive a coach’s tool kit to ensure that you and your team have a fun and enjoyable soccer season. OSC is proud to provide free Coach Education Workshops, communication templates, warm-ups, and other valuable resources to enhance your coaching experience.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a coach:

  1. Complete the Volunteer Coach Application Form to start the process of becoming a House League Coach.
  2. Coaches must be at least 15 years old and a minimum of 3 years older than the age group they will be coaching.
  3. If you are under 18 years old, you must be accompanied by a guardian at all times, and their information must be listed on the application form.
  4. Coaches who are 18 years or older must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Once you submit the original copy of your VSC to OSC, you will be reimbursed for the full cost. The VSC is valid for two years and must be valid until the end of the season.
  5. Coaches automatically have their child placed on their team and can make one additional player request. If the coach assistant/co-coach has a child, that child will be the additional player request.

2023 Summer Outdoor House League Soccer – Season Timeline:

Before the Season Begins:

  • Complete the Volunteer Coach Application.
  • After confirmation from OSC, fulfill any additional requirements, including obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check (if applicable) and Respect in Sport Certification.
  • Pick up and distribute equipment to your team.
  • Send a communication to your team introducing yourself, providing additional information such as team number and sponsor, and schedule a pre-season meeting to distribute uniforms (a template can be provided by OSC).

During the Season:

  • Communicate with your team about the schedule and any other events.
  • Attend all games scheduled by OSC for the season.
  • If needed, ask parents on your team if anyone wants to be an assistant coach.
  • Ensure your players have fun by maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude, providing positive feedback, and ensuring equal playing time for all players.
  • Share information sent by OSC with your team throughout the season.

After the Season:

  • Thank your team for a great season!
  • Complete player evaluations (U6+) and return/send them to OSC.
  • Sign up to coach again!

Please refer to the charts below for specific coaching requirements in each division. Remember, regardless of the age group, the most important aspect is to have fun!

U5-U18 House League Age Group
(1 Game per Week)

OSC Provides
  • Step by step instructions from start to finish and ongoing support from OSC
  • OSC Facilitator on field providing/running activities
  • Coach Education Workshops
  • OSC Coach Certification Program
  • Curriculum
  • Email templates for communicating with parents
Expectations for all Volunteer Coaches
  • Commitment to attend games
  • Communicate with parents throughout the season
  • Be a positive role model
  • Complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (18+)
U6+ Specific Volunteer Coach Expectations
  • U6+ coaches complete player evaluations at the end of the season
U8+ Specific Volunteer Coach Expectations
  • Complete the Respect In Sport Certification
    (Reimbursed by OSC)

Recreational Coaching Resources

What to do if your match official doesn’t show up?

Did you arrive at your game with no match official present?

Sometimes things happen and your match official will not be able to make it. Not to worry – we will give you all the information you need to have a successful game!

Click your age group below for more information!

AGES U8/U9
AGES U10/U11
AGE U12
AGES U13 – U18

Grassroots Weekly Session Plans

Active Start U4-U6

  • Focus on ABCs (agility, balance, coordination).
  • Emphasize movement and staying active.
  • Celebrate the players’ participation.

FUNdamentals U7-U8

  • Continue with ABCs and introduce running with the ball and change of direction.
  • Incorporate soccer techniques.
  • Conclude each practice with a small-sided game.

Learn to Train U9-U12

  • Prioritize small-sided games.
  • Create game-like scenarios to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Include direction, targets, and opposition in all small-sided games.

Coach Education Workshops

Dates for upcoming workshops will be posted here! Stay tuned and don’t miss out on a great learning experience! Read more about the workshops below!

Join OSC for an upcoming Coach Workshop!

  • Workshops feature age-appropriate activities following the Long Term Player Development model (LTPD) recommendations.
  • Coaches can actively participate or observe and take notes.
  • These workshops are offered at no cost to coaches.

 

Upcoming Workshop Details

  • Targeted Participants: U7-U18 Coaches, Active Start Staff & Open Development Staff
  • Date: TBD
  • Time: TBD
  • Location: TBD
  • Attire: Athletic clothing, running shoes, shin guards
  • Bring: Water, pen, and paper

For inquiries about OSC’s Coach Education Workshops, contact Leah Sherrett, Youth House Coordinator, at lsherrett@oakvillesoccer.ca or 905-849-4436 ext. 4439.