Coach Corner

Fairhope Soccer is a volunteer-led youth sports league that depends entirely on parents like you. You don’t need to be an expert on soccer techniques to be considered the “greatest coach in the world” by your players. All you need is 3–5 hours per week, patience, a desire to teach, good sportsmanship, a love for working with kids, and, of course, a sense of fun!

Whether you volunteered or were "volunteered," we are delighted to have you on board. We know that many coaches join us after receiving that familiar email—the one explaining that a team needs a coach to ensure the players can participate this season. Whatever brought you here, our goal is to provide you with the resources to make coaching simple while ensuring your players have a fantastic experience.

We sincerely appreciate the time, effort, and dedication you are committing to the children of the Fairhope Soccer Club and the sport of soccer.

Coach Requests:  When you sign up to coach/assist, you will be assigned to your child's team. If you want to co-coach with a friend, we will guarantee your players will be on the same team as well as your players.

Private School Player Policy: FSC follows the Baldwin County School Calendar, so teams may be short-handed during school breaks if more than two players are from Bayshore, Bayside, or Christ the King.

Coach Discount Policy: Head and assistant coaches are eligible for a 50% registration refund as a thank-you for volunteering. Refunds will be issued after your equipment bag is returned at the end of the season.

Equipment Bags: Each coach will be provided with a bag containing cones, pinnies, and a ball pump. Additionally, U6 coaches will receive a whistle, and coaches for age groups U10 and above will be supplied with goalkeeper gloves. Please ensure that all equipment bags are returned to the club at the end of the season.

Volunteer Coaching Requirements: To ensure the safety of our athletes and to receive your official team roster, all Fairhope Soccer Club parent volunteer coaches must complete the following mandatory requirements via the GotSport platform:

  1. Background Check: completion of  background check is required for all head coaches and assistant coaches. (Background checks are valid for two years through US Club Soccer.)
  2. SafeSport Certification: All coaches must maintain an up-to-date SafeSport certification, as required by US Club Soccer.
  3. Coach Safely Training: Coaches must hold a current Coach Safely certification to ensure compliance with club and state risk management policies.

Please ensure these items are completed prior to the start of the season. If you have any questions regarding the GotSport portal or the status of your certifications, please reach out to the FSC administrative staff for assistance.

Coaching offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond with your child while becoming more deeply integrated into our community. Beyond the game itself, volunteering puts you at the heart of the club, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with other coaches and families. Through consistent communication and shared experiences, you will find that coaching not only enhances your child's development but also fosters lasting friendships that often extend well beyond the final whistle of the season.

Mandatory Coaches Meetings for Fall 2026:  Review of TeamSnap plus Coaches Pack, rules/guidelines & practice field sign up

Monday, August 31st
U6 @ 5:30pm
U8 Girls @ 6:15pm
U8 Boys @ 7pm

Tuesday, September 1st
U10 Girls @ 5:30pm
U10 Boys @ 6pm
U12/U14Girls @ 6:30pm
U12/U14Boys @ 7:15 pm

Wednesday, August 2nd-Team Notification/Coach Assignment via TeamSnap.

Practice: Kicks off the week of Tuesday, September 8th

Practice Expectations:

  • Most practices are about 45 minutes and are usually held 1–2 days per week, depending on age group and field availability.
  • Suggested weekly schedule by age group:
    • U6: 1 practice per week plus 1 game.
    • U8: 1–2 practices per week plus 1 game, with no more than 2 team activities per week.
    • U10–U15: 2 practices per week plus 1 game, with no more than 3 team activities per week.
  • When possible, arrive 10–15 minutes early so you have time to gather equipment, set up, and greet players as they arrive.
  • After practice, please help tidy the area and return equipment and goals to their proper locations.
  • Player safety is our first priority. Please plan to stay until each player has been picked up by a parent or guardian.

Game Day:

  • Please try to arrive 15–20 minutes before each game. If the fields still need to be set up, we appreciate your help with goals and benches.
  • If you are unable to attend a game, please arrange coverage and let families know before game day.

Communication with Families: Consistent communication helps families feel prepared and keeps the season running smoothly. FSC will send important emails throughout the season, especially before Opening Day. Please read those messages carefully so you have the latest information to share with your team.

  • At your first practice, consider holding a brief parent meeting to introduce yourself, share expectations, and review team guidelines. If you were not assigned an assistant coach, this is also a great time to invite a parent to help. Please contact FSC staff if someone will be assisting you.
  • Set a regular practice schedule when possible, and let families know as soon as you can if a change is needed.

TeamSnap: As the team admin, you’ll be able to view and manage your roster, communicate with families, and organize the team calendar. Once game schedules are published, they will automatically sync with your team calendar.