New Coach Orientation

• Formerly part of S.P.O.R.T.S.

• A recreational program within Mudsock Youth Athletics

• Community-based and nonprofit

• Operated entirely by volunteers

• No paid Mudsock Youth Soccer employees

• Registration fees support fields, uniforms, equipment, referees, insurance, technology, and league operations

Why your role matters

When you volunteer to coach, you make it possible for an entire group of children to have a team and a soccer season.

Communicate

Keep families informed and respond clearly.

Be prepared

Arrive on time and know your basic plan.

Create a positive environment

Make players feel safe, valued, and included.

Model respect

Respect players, families, opponents, referees, and volunteers.

Ask for help

Contact your commissioner, Mark, or MYS leadership before a small issue becomes a larger one.

It is always okay to say, “I’m not sure, but I will check with the league.”

Your team welcome message should include:

• Your name and introduction

• Assistant coach information

• Practice day, time, and location

• Preferred communication method

• What players should bring

• Important upcoming dates

Keep individual concerns private

Do not discuss a player’s:

• Behavior

• Ability

• Playing time

• Medical information

• Family circumstances

in a team-wide message.

Good recreational practices are:

• Simple

• Active

• Positive

• Age appropriate

• Focused on frequent touches on the ball

Helpful reminders

• Keep explanations short

• Avoid long lines

• Demonstrate, then let players try

• Adjust activities when needed

• Do not stop every mistake

• Praise effort, courage, teamwork, and improvement

Mark will cover practical activities and practice structure during the workshop.

Before the game

• Arrive early

• Find your field

• Gather players

• Check uniforms and equipment

• Organize substitutions

During the game

• Keep instructions short and positive

• Allow players to make decisions

• Encourage effort and teamwork

• Treat officials and opponents respectfully

Avoid

• Arguing with referees

• Confronting another coach or parent

• Publicly criticizing players

• Trying to control every decision from the sideline

Bring serious concerns to your commissioner or MYS leadership after the immediate situation has ended.

• Never leave a child unattended

• Confirm a responsible adult is present at pickup

• Avoid isolated one-on-one situations

• Take injuries seriously

• Involve the parent or guardian

• Call 911 for a serious emergency

• Follow official weather and field-closure decisions

• Report significant injuries, safety concerns, or conduct issues

Friday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Required Coach Equipment Pickup and Season Overview
Billericay Community Building

Saturday, August 8

League-wide first practice
This is the only Saturday practice of the season.

August 10–13

Regular weekday practices begin

Saturday, August 15

First games

Division Commissioner

Roster, team, schedule, and division questions

Mark McPheron

Director of Coaching
Practice planning and coaching support

MYS Leadership

Safety, conduct, policy, and unresolved concerns

Contact MYS:
info@mudsockyouthsoccer.org

MYS is a recreational soccer program.

Success means:

• Players feel safe and welcomed

• Every child feels like part of the team

• Players build confidence

• Effort and improvement are encouraged

• Competition remains healthy and age appropriate

• Children enjoy soccer and want to return

Winning is part of sports, but it should never come at the expense of development, participation, sportsmanship, or confidence.