Coach-In-Training
EAFC’s Coach-In-Training (CIT) is a structured and guided learning experience designed to prepare EAFC players to step into a role as a head soccer coach. This program is a great way to gain volunteer hours for community service, work on leadership and organizational skills, and gain coaching experience to eventually be compensated as a coach within the club. While being mentored by EAFC Head Coaches, our CIT pathway aims to equip players with the necessary tools, knowledge, and practical experience to become effective and impactful coaches, and role models within their community, capable of supporting others in achieving their goals and maximizing their potential.
Our CIT pathway includes the following:
Mini Allies —> Junior Allies —> Grassroots
Camps & Skills Clinics
CITs will assist Coach Rey during our Mini Allies two (45 minutes) programs back to back so total of 1hour 30minutes.
CITS are expected to:
Be available for 8-10 sessions per season
Attend Mini Allies Coach Prep Meeting before the season starts
Take a US Soccer Introduction to Grassroots Coaching course [it’s FREE!]
Be prepared
Be on time
Be in proper attire (EAFC gear)
Check in with Coach Rey if you have questions, can’t make it or will be late
Interact with the young players
Read the session plan beforehand
Assist Coach Rey with field set up and tear down
Encourage young players to participate in activities
Upon completion of the Mini Allies season, Coach Rey will provide an evaluation for each CIT. Mini Allies CITs may be recommended to become a Junior Allies CIT based on Coach Rey’s assessment.
*CITs for Mini Allies must be born between 2012-2006
Based on application or recommendation, CITs can assist with our Junior Allies program for 6-8 year olds. Junior Allies is a select pre-competitive program to help prepare players and families for competitive soccer. Under the direction of Coach Bryan, CITs are expected to:
Attend 75-minute training sessions (1-2x per week for 12 weeks)
Be open to coach/ref playdates on select weekends (Sundays 9AM-12PM)
Study the session plan prior to training, ask questions, and seek clarity or advice
Have confidence to implement/run a 2 progression exercise for 8-10 players
Be organized and thoughtful in your preparation
Not be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions
Understand that coaching is about teaching and making connections with players
Bring the energy needed to perform the task at hand
Bring the personality needed to engage with kids of all ages and backgrounds
Be able to take direction and correct the coaching behavior requested/needed from you
Share your experience/knowledge about the game with our players
Be able to demonstrate techniques (touch, strike, control, coordination)
Feel confident to share your tips and tricks with your players - they love that!
Be ultra responsible - giving 24 hours notice of any conflicts and arrive 30 minutes early
Be receptive to feedback and follow up from Coaching Staff
Upon completion of the Junior Allies year, Coach Bryan may recommend the CIT to Grassroots.
A fun introductino to the game and learning soccer skills, our Grassroots Program is for 6-12 year olds placed on teams that practice twice a week and play games on the weekend.
CITs who are recommended for Grassroots will be given their own team to coach, following the curriculum set by Grassroots Director Ko Douglas. As a Grassroots coach, CITs may be compensated. Grassroots CITs are expected to:
Be available for two (2) one hour training sessions during the week
Be available for a game on the weekend
Follow the Grassroots curriculum
Attend Coach Education sessions
Communicate with team’s parents
CAMPS & SKILLS CLINICS:
CITs may submit an application to assist with EAFC camps and skills clinics. News will be posted here, on our social media, and in our newsletter when we are accepting appplications.