Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Coaching Education

Register For the “B” Coaching Course in Chester

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 24, 2025-Soccer coaches can continue to advance and improve their teams by taking the “B” coaching course being offered by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

The blended format combines online learning, assignments, small group meetings, independent learning and two in-person meetings.

Eligibility Requirements: 

In order to be considered for the U.S. Soccer B Course, all applicants must meet ALL of the following prerequisites: 

·       At least 18 years of age 

·       Have held a U.S. Soccer C License for at least 12 months or meet the waiver requirements

·       Have three or more years of coaching experience (any level) 

·       Currently coaching a team training at least three times a week

·       Currently working in appropriate soccer environment for the course content -OR- have the opportunity to work with a team of the appropriate level for the course content in order to complete the assignments (internship, etc.)

Student coaches will be asked to join the waitlist and will be receive an invitation if accepted into the course.

Waiver Process: 

Coaches seeking a waiver should review the FAQs listed here.

Course Experience

120+ hours (virtual + in-person meetings) 

Coaches who register for this course can expect weekly learning opportunities that will feature a mixture of independent learning using online modules, live virtual meetings and two 4-day meetings led by licensed U.S. Soccer Educators. Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to the internet and a laptop/device with webcamera/live videocapabilities. The virtual meetings will take place on agreedupon days and times. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.

Course Duration: 

Six months (Including summative assessment) with eight in-person days across two separate in-person meetings.

Course Assessment:

Formative Assessment (course assignments during the course) in

·       Leadership and Managing the Performance Environment 

·       Leading the player within the team

·       Coaching Games

·       Coaching Training Sessions

Summative Assessment (final projects at the end of the course) in ·  

·        Coaching Games

·        Team performance analysis report

·        Coaching Training Sessions

·        Designing three training session plans (within one week)

·        Coaching one training session (video)

Course Outcome

On successful completion of course assessment, student coaches will receive the U.S. Soccer B License

Course Policies

·       Coaches that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings and complete all assignments by due dates to be eligible to receive the license

·       Coaches must have access to a team (Under-13+) in a performance environment for the duration of the course 

Course Structure: 

Schedule

The final virtual meetings date times will be announced at least two weeks prior to the course start. Coaches will be required to allot an average of two-three hours each week for virtual course meetings.

July 7 to December 21, 2025

Week 1 Introduction All-Course Meeting

Intro Week Webinar Date: July 7

Intro Week Webinar Time: TBD

Intro Week Webinar Link: Will be shared in the course calendar and communication

In-person dates

Meeting 1:

Date:   Tuesday, September 2, 2025 through Friday September 5, 2025

Time:  Begins 2 pm on Tuesday, September 2 and ends at noon on September 5

Course and Field Location: Cedar Stars Academy, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Meeting 2:

Date:  Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6

Time:  Begins 2 pm on Tuesday, November 3 and ends at noon on November 6

Course and Field Location: Cedar Stars Academy, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Course fee:

$3,650

Register here
Please make sure that your playing and coaching experience is up-to-date in the learning center profile as well as any additional licenses you may have as this will be used in the application process. Note that the fee does not include food or housing.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

A candidate seeking to withdraw from the course must do so in writing to the course administrator. Once a candidate registers for the course, the hosting association has made proper arrangements for instructors, classroom/field space and materials to accommodate that candidate. If a candidate cancels at least four weeks prior to the first day of the course, he or she may receive a full refund. If the candidate fails to cancel at least four weeks prior to the course, only attends a portion of the course, or does not show up for the course, the entire course fee is forfeited.

By registering for this course, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the course policies regarding course assignments, attendance, registration fees, and refunds.

Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury (tbradbury@enysoccer.com).

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Challenges of the Elite Player Pathway

Or Dealing With Alphabet Soup!

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Perhaps the question I am asked most frequently by soccer parents is, “How do we make sense of the Elite player pathway so we can make good decisions for our child?”

I wish there were a clear and definite answer that I could provide but sadly there is not. I believe that the following criteria power a player’s developmental journey in soccer:

  1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.
  2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.
  3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.
  4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.
  5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.
  6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Unfortunately, finding a clear picture in many of the above is not simple. Many of the points presented are problematic and need careful consideration.

1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.

Players with a great attitude and able to compete at a high level are quickly presented with multiple playing opportunities, school ball, elite team invites, ODP, Premier this and Elite that. The phone never stops ringing and frequently the soccer diet becomes madness. They overplay, overtrain and get exhausted. The idea of rest is obsolete. Different coaches with different language and teaching styles are simply detrimental.

2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.

Parents driven by the lure of more is better and if we don’t do that program, we will fall behind, and commit to way too many programs. The player never gets a rest, and the fun of the game starts to evaporate. The idea of rest and recovery is shunned as parents look for more and more activity.

3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.

Finding a highly-licensed quality coach with vast knowledge of the game, and experience with elite-level players, is a real challenge. Many parents are not qualified enough to evaluate a high-level training session.

4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.

Finding a group of players with a similar commitment and love of the game can be a real challenge. The multi-sport experience of years gone by is now a real challenge as many sports demand a year-round commitment. Parents keen to not lose out place their kids in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and softball, and quite simply, the child suffers. The idea of a sensible physical diet is never discussed, and kids get dragged to two or three sports experiences each night. We must begin to understand the idea that kids need rest.

5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.

This is where things get problematic. So many leagues with so many teams that finding a truly competitive league with close games is a real issue. Each of the leagues with an Elite sounding title and many involve spending more time on the road than the games last. More than 18 National Champion Leagues. So many elite level platforms that mean our best players seldom get to play or train with each other.

6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Very few clubs have access to enough training space, different types of fields with lights, indoor training space, meeting space etc. that it is possible to create good training environments for players to work in.

Get 2025 Off to a Great Start By Taking the “C” Coaching Course

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 3, 2025-Soccer coaches can unleash their potential in the New Year when the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) hosts the “C” Coaching Course in the Hudson Valley.

“This is a great course that is a vital stepping stone for those that wish to move onto the B and A courses,” commented Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching for Eastern New York. “The C is the foundation of all high-level licenses and is full of vital teaching strategies and game concepts.“

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be currently coaching and have held a National “D” License for a minimum of one year or meet the waiver guidelines.

This “C” course and first-class curriculum is designed for coaches working with players ages 13 and up. The course encompasses the various tasks of the coach, including training sessions, coaching games, leading players, leading the teams and managing a performance environment plus vital theory sessions on periodization and principles of play with field sessions. There is both an instruction/development period and an assessment period.

Capelli Sports Complex, 2 Tetz Road, Chester, NY 10918

Course opening webinar: January 19, 7:00 to 8:30 pm

In-person meetings, a mix of field and classroom sessions: February 25-28

Course closing webinar: May 4, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Register here

The fee is $1,650 and registration needs to be through the US Soccer Digital Learning Center. Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Holidays Are a Time to Say “Thank You!”

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

I take great care and pride in the efforts I make to lead players and teams in a holistic way. I’m completely aware that although many of them may not become great players who play professionally or at college, they all may become great people who play for life, coach one day and become active responsible adults. I spend time learning about my players’ lives outside of the game, how they are doing at school, how family life is going and I attempt to display a genuine interest in their likes and dislikes.

As I coach a good number of teenage players, I frequently talk to them about how they are helping their families and what they do to actually support dad, mom, brothers and sisters. Are they a positive member of the family community or are they purely wrapped up in their own needs? The conversation starts with how they perform and act at practice. The challenge I present to all the players I coach is stressed with the following questions:

“Can you be the player who most impacts a practice and ensures that the learning environment is good for all? Can you be the first one in? Can you be the most coachable player in the group? Can you be the one who most helps with equipment? Can you be the player who notices a teammate is down and gives them a word of inspiration or comfort?”

I work hard to make them aware that the mission above should be their number one priority and that if I can get all 18 to place it as their core mission, we will soon have a team that makes remarkable progress.

Another of the core values that I work on with players is respect. The team dynamic is that we respect each other, we respect the refs, we respect the parents and all the work they do so that players get to train and play. Part of this culture that deals with respect is saying, “Thank you.” I encourage them to thank each other at the end of each game and practice, thank the refs at the end of each game, and of course thank their parents at the end of the drive home. I ask them all to try and display their thanks by helping at home by doing something around the house that helps the family.

It seems appropriate at this time of year to once again encourage a few thank-you notes (Jimmy Fallon-like). So not just because it’s the holiday season but also because it’s just the right thing to do I encourage all:

Players to thank your parents for the endless hours spent driving you to practice and games while remembering not to shout orders to you as you play.

Parents to thank coaches for their efforts in developing your child even though they didn’t win as many games as you thought they should have and have yet to recognize your child is next Messi.

Coaches to thank club officials and administrators for all their efforts even if the biggest space you got to train in was really only suitable for 3v3 and you got the 9:00-10:30 pm slot on a Friday.

Coaches to thank referees for the courage they show in turning up game after game knowing they will be subjected to endless, ridiculous comments shouted at the top of their voices from an adult who never kicked a ball.

Coaches to thank the refs who forget to give you and the players the 5-minute speech on when and where substitutes may enter the game like they are sharing some news on a new discovery in creating energy.

Coaches to tournament organizers who remember that we live in the Northeast of the US and that winter along with frigid temperatures arrives at about the same time every year. They also should be thanked for remembering how it feels to play outside when the real feel is so harsh you lose the feeling in your toes after five minutes.

And lastly but most importantly

Players to parents who spend the car ride home listening to loud Christmas music and in so doing forget to share the latest postmortem on your performance in the game.

Best wishes to everyone,

Tim