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

MINI ALLIES:

CITs will assist Coach Krysta during our Mini Allies one (1) hour program for 3-5 year olds.
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 Krysta if you have questions, can’t make it or will be late

  • Interact with the young players

  • Read the session plan beforehand

  • Assist Coach Krysta with field set up and tear down

  • Encourage young players to participate in activities

Upon completion of the Mini Allies season, Coach Krysta will provide an evaluation for each CIT. Mini Allies CITs may be recommneded to become a Junior Allies CIT based on Coach Krysta’s assessment.

*CITs for Mini Allies must be born between 2011-2005

JUNIOR ALLIES:

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.

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.