Prairie Soccer Club

Coaching Resources

Welcome Coaches!  All the information you need to be a successful coach is right here -- if not, please let the VP of Coaches know so it can be added!  Suggestions welcome encouraged.  The Quick links section leads to pages you will need as a coach such as where to report your scores (U9 and above).  The Byte-size Coaching tool provides coaching tips and ideas.  The Coaching Handbook will provide a quick reference to everything you need as a coach.  The Coaching Clinics section provide information about coaching course you can take to improve your coaching skills (reimbursable by Prairie Soccer Club).

For coaches interested in Select Level coaching in 2010 or have general questions about the Chinook Alliance please contactKen Paulsen at ken.paulsen@sun.com for more information.

Quick Links

Here are some important links for coaches:

Fall Coach's Meeting Information

This year we handed out a coach's manual at our August 6th Coach's Meeting.  We also had a presentation which covered important topics, including key dates and a coach's "to do list."  If you missed that meeting, or want to see the information again, goto:  Coaches Meeting Information Page

Head Injury Requirements (Zackery Lystedt Law)

All players and parents must sign the "Informed Consent Form" indicating they have been made aware of the potential effects and symptoms of concussion and head injury.  Coaches have an additional document to read which gives detailed information and instructions on how recognize and handle head injuries.  For both parents and players, the following steps are required:
  1. Review the Head Injury information on our website (found here, in the "Head Injury" folder)
  2. Login to your Account using this link.
  3. Click the READ NOW link to acknowledge that you have received the Head Injury information
The state will not provide insurance or player cards if any players or coaches have not completed these steps.  If you have any questions or problems, please send an email to registrar@prairiesoccer.org.

Coaching Clinics

Coaching E License

The E License is a general 11-a-side coaching certificate.  The course to obtain a E-License provides an emphasis on players aged 10 through 14 and is intended for all coaches in this age group.  The course focuses on teaching technique, coaching points, and an introduction to Principles of Play (attack / defense).  Basic information regarding preparation and management of a team are also discussed.

Prairie Soccer would like 100% of its coaches U-11 and above to be awarded their E License.  Prairie Soccer will reimburse all coaches the $50 fee for the course upon successful completion.  The following courses are offered by CYSF:

  • June 5-7, 2009 -- The course was GREAT and very worthwhile!  Sunny did a fantastic job.  -- Ken Paulsen
    Harmony Sports Complex
    (Must attend all 3 classes)
    Friday, June 5th, 2009 6-9PM
    Saturday, June 6th, 2009, 9AM - 5PM
    Sunday, June 7th, 2009, 9AM - 5PM
    Cost: $50 (reimbursed by Prairie Soccer Club upon successful completion)
    Registration Form (Word, Fillable PDF)
    E License Manual

  • August 10, 17, 24, 31 (Monday Nights)
    Classroom Instruction: Salmon Creek Indoor Sports Arena
    Field Instruction:  HB Fuller Park
    (Must attend all 4 classes)
    Monday, August 10th
    Monday, August 17th
    Monday, August 24th
    Monday, August 31st
    Cost: $50 (reimbursed by Prairie Soccer Club upon successful completion)
    Registration Form (Word)
    E License Manual
Coaching D License

Youth MOD Clinic U-6 to U-10 Combined

You can look for additional courses or more information at the Columbia Youth Soccer Federation (CYSF) coaching clinic page or the WSYSA coaching page.

Coaching Reference Material

Offsides Rule (applies to U-10 teams and above)

Unsure about the details of offsides?  Or want a quick refresher?  Watch this flash video that clearly explains offsides in detail.

Recommended Reading List

  • Micro Soccer, Coaching 6,7 and 8 Year Olds 1988 by Tony Waiters with Bobby Howe
  • Coaching The Goalkeeper 1992 by Tony Waiters
  • Soccer - How To Play The Game - by the USSF
  • The Official Playing and Coaching Manual of the United States Soccer Federation 1999
  • The Official Soccer Book of the by Walter Chyzowych
  • United States Soccer Federation former US National Coach 1978
  • Coaching Soccer 1996 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Edited by Tim Schum
  • Coaching Soccer by Mike Ditchfield &Walter Bahr
  • The Progressive Way 1988
  • Attacking Soccer edited by Joseph A. Luxbacher
  • Tactics & Drills For High Scoring Offense 1999
  • 251 Essential Drills For Winning Soccer by Michael G. Carpenter 2001
  • The Coaches’ Collection Of Soccer Drills by John A. Reeves and 1981 J. Malcolm Simon