Soccer coaching jobs are becoming more common in the United States and worldwide. As the sport grows, so does the demand for skilled and dedicated coaches at every level. From coaching young kids in local leagues to working with college teams and eventually aiming for professional roles like Major League Soccer jobs, there are many paths you can take.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance in your coaching career, this guide will help you understand the key steps you must follow.
We’ll walk through qualifications, gain experience, network, apply for soccer coach job openings, and advance to higher levels. By following these steps, you’ll be on the right track to landing football soccer coach jobs that match your goals.
How to Land Soccer Coaching Jobs: 5 Key Steps
Getting hired for soccer coaching jobs takes more than just loving the game. You need to build a foundation of training, practice your coaching skills, and make the right connections. Let’s break it down into five clear steps.
Step 1 – Get Qualified to Coach Soccer
To be taken seriously as a coach, you need the proper licenses and training. In the United States, U.S. Soccer provides coaching licenses starting with the Grassroots level. These entry-level courses are ideal for those new to coaching or working with youth teams.
After that, you can move on to the D, C, B, and A Licenses, depending on the level of team you want to coach. For example, college and professional teams usually look for coaches with a B or A License.
The United Soccer Coaches organization offers programs that provide diplomas and courses for coaches at different experience levels.
While these programs aren’t required everywhere, they’re highly respected and can make your resume stand out.
Some coaching jobs, especially in schools or camps, may also require CPR and first aid training. This is important because coaches are often responsible for the safety of their players. Taking an introductory safety course shows you’re prepared to handle emergencies.
In addition to licenses, many successful coaches have kinesiology, physical education, or sports science degrees.
These degrees help coaches understand how the body works, how athletes improve, and how to prevent injuries. While a degree isn’t always required, it can give you a significant advantage, especially if you want to work toward NCAA soccer jobs or coaching roles at higher levels.
Step 2 – Gain Coaching Experience
Once you have the proper certifications, the next step is to get hands-on coaching experience. This is one of the most critical steps in landing soccer coaching jobs because employers want to see what you’ve done, not just what you’ve studied.
Many coaches begin by volunteering or working as assistant coaches. You can start with a local youth soccer team, join a summer soccer camp, or help out at a local high school. These roles may not pay much or anything at all, but they allow you to learn what coaching really involves.
During this time, try to take on different responsibilities. Help plan and lead practices, work one-on-one with players, manage game days, and assist with team organization. The more you do, the more you’ll learn—and the more you’ll be able to show on your resume or portfolio.
Keep track of your work as you go. You can create a simple coaching portfolio that includes practice plans, photos, player feedback, and any results your teams achieve.
Whether you’re applying for football soccer coach jobs at the youth level or looking ahead to NCAA soccer jobs, this kind of documentation helps others see what you bring to the table.
Step 3 – Build a Soccer Coaching Network
Coaching is a people-focused profession, and connections matter. Many soccer coach job openings are shared through conversations, recommendations, or coaching events—not just online job boards. That’s why it’s so important to grow your network.
Start by attending coaching events, workshops, or licensing programs. These places are full of other coaches who can share advice or point you toward new opportunities. You should also consider joining coaching organizations like United Soccer Coaches. Membership can give you access to training, a directory of coaches, and even job listings.
Try to stay in touch with coaches you meet, even if it’s just through email or social media. If you have a coach you admire—maybe someone at a college program or pro club—reach out and ask a few questions. People are often willing to help, especially if you show respect and interest in learning.
Networking doesn’t have to feel like sales. Think of it as building relationships over time. The more people who know you’re serious about coaching, the more likely you’ll hear about soccer coaching jobs when they come up.
Step 4 – Find Soccer Coach Job Openings
After you’ve built up your qualifications and experience, it’s time to apply for actual jobs. Luckily, there are several platforms where you can search for soccer coach job openings at all levels.
JobsInSports.com is one of the top websites for sports-related careers, including coaching jobs. You can search by location, team type, or experience level.
Other helpful sites include the NCAA Market for college coaching roles, U.S. Soccer’s coaching site for licensed job boards, which often lists major league soccer jobs and support positions.
To make your job search easier, sign up for alerts that notify you when new soccer coaching jobs are posted. That way, you won’t miss opportunities that fit your goals.
When applying, ensure each resume and cover letter is written for that specific job. Highlight your coaching certifications, your experience with player development, and any results your teams have had. A generic application won’t stand out. But a personalized one shows that you understand what the team or organization is looking for.
Step 5 – Advance in Your Soccer Coaching Career
Getting your first coaching job is a big step, but most coaches want to grow and move up over time. Whether your goal is high school, college, or even Major League Soccer jobs, you’ll need to keep improving and proving your value.
One of the best ways to grow is through continued education. Stay updated with the latest coaching methods, attend advanced license courses, and learn from other successful coaches. You can also look for a mentor—someone with experience who can help you reach the next level.
It’s also important to track your progress. Keep notes on team records, player improvements, and anything else that shows your impact as a coach. Being able to show how you’ve helped your players grow is a strong advantage, especially when aiming for higher-level football soccer coach jobs.
At more competitive levels, teams are looking for coaches who understand the full picture—how to develop talent, manage team culture, and even use video or data to improve performance.
If you can combine technical knowledge with leadership and communication skills, you’ll be in a good position to move up in your coaching career.
Football Soccer Coach Jobs at Different Levels
There are soccer coaching jobs at every level, from entry-level positions to the sport’s top. The right job for you depends on your experience, your goals, and how much time you’re ready to commit.
Youth Soccer Coaching Jobs
Soccer youth coaching is often where it all begins. Coaching younger players means teaching the basics of the sport, including passing, dribbling, and teamwork. These coaches also work closely with parents, which requires good communication skills.
Most youth leagues expect coaches to have at least a Grassroots License; many require CPR or first aid certification.
While the competition isn’t as high as in college or pro settings, youth coaching is necessary because it shapes how players learn and enjoy the game.
High School Soccer Coaching Jobs
High school coaches help student-athletes compete at a more serious level while still supporting their academic goals. These jobs may require a teaching license depending on the school and state rules. Other schools hire coaches who are not teachers but still meet specific coaching standards.
You must focus on player development and team results to succeed in high school coaching. Building a well-rounded program that values discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship is key to long-term success.
NCAA Soccer Jobs
College soccer coaching is competitive and challenging. Most coaches start in assistant roles, helping with practice planning, game strategy, and recruiting new players. These roles are often the best way to learn how to lead a college team.
If you’re aiming for NCAA soccer jobs, it’s essential to understand NCAA rules, stay in good standing with the school, and build a record of coaching success. Many college programs want coaches who can bring in firm recruits and help athletes succeed on and off the field.
Major League Soccer Jobs
MLS is the highest level of soccer in the United States. Coaching roles here are hard to get, and many go to former professional players or highly experienced coaches with strong credentials. But even if you’re not yet ready for a head coach position, there are other ways to be part of an MLS team.
Major league soccer jobs include assistant coaches, analysts, trainers, and development staff. These positions still require coaching experience and knowledge, but they can be more accessible and a valuable step in your career.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Soccer Coaching Jobs
Even if you’re passionate and qualified, minor errors in your application process can cost you opportunities. Many candidates make simple mistakes that can be avoided with extra care. Here are some of the most common missteps to watch out for when applying for soccer coaching jobs:
- Skipping required certifications. One of the most common mistakes is applying for soccer coaching jobs without the proper license or training. Whether it’s a Grassroots License or a higher-level U.S. Soccer license, these are often required. Your application may not even be considered if it doesn’t show the correct qualifications. Always check what’s needed before applying.
- Sending the same application to every job. Using a single generic resume and cover letter for every coaching position can hurt your chances. Teams want to know that you understand their mission and style. Customizing your application to each school, club, or program shows attention to detail and genuine interest in the job.
- Not showing player development success. It’s not enough to list where you’ve coached. Employers want to see how your work made a difference. Did your players improve? Did your team reach goals? Including short examples of success in training, teamwork, or game performance helps prove your value.
- Ignoring soft skills. Coaching is about more than tactics. Communication, leadership, and team-building matter just as much. Your application may seem incomplete if you don’t talk about your ability to motivate players, work with parents, or support academic performance in school programs.
- Failing to follow application instructions. Some job listings ask for specific details like coaching philosophy statements or references. Skipping those parts, or not sending documents in the proper format, could lead to your application being rejected without review.
- Waiting too long to apply. Soccer coach job openings can fill quickly, especially during hiring seasons. If you wait too long to update your resume or submit your application, you might miss out—even if you’re qualified
Tools and Resources to Find Soccer Coaching Jobs
Finding coaching jobs takes time, but some tools can help. JobsInSports.com offers an extensive list of soccer coach job openings, tips, and resources to improve your applications. Other useful websites include the NCAA Market and the official site of the U.S. Soccer Association.
You can also connect with coaching groups like United Soccer Coaches to stay updated on job fairs, training, and coaching news.
Let JobsInSports Help You Find Soccer Coaching Jobs
If you’re serious about building a coaching career, JobsInSports is a smart place to start. With listings that cover youth leagues, high schools, NCAA soccer jobs, and even major league soccer jobs, it’s one of the top resources for anyone interested in coaching.
Visit JobsInSports.com to browse current openings, get expert advice, and take the next step in your coaching journey. Whether looking for your first position or your next big opportunity, the right football soccer coach jobs are out there—JobsInSports can help you find them.
