Soccer is one of the most popular and widely followed sports in the world. That popularity creates a constant need for good coaches at every level—from kids’ teams in local parks to high-level professional clubs. If you’re wondering how to become a soccer coach, this guide will show you how to get started, what qualifications you’ll need, the types of coaching jobs available, what kind of salary to expect, and how to find coaching work.
Types of Soccer Coaching Jobs
There are many paths in soccer jobs, each with different responsibilities and goals depending on the age group or level of competition. Whether you’re starting at the community level or aiming for the pros, understanding the roles and expectations of each coaching level is key to finding the right fit for your skills and interests.
Youth Soccer Coach
Youth coaches typically work with children from ages 4 to 12. These coaches focus on teaching the basics, building teamwork, and helping kids enjoy the sport in a safe, fun environment. Many of these roles are volunteer-based or part-time, often through local clubs or school leagues. It’s often the first experience young soccer players have with organized sports, so coaches also teach social skills, confidence, and discipline.
Training sessions for this age group often include 4v4 and 7v7 game models to keep the game engaging and straightforward.
High School Soccer Coach
High school coaches manage older students and help shape their athletic and personal growth. They organize training sessions, create game strategies, and guide their players both on and off the field. These roles usually require teaching or staff positions at the school.
Coaches are also mentors, ensuring players’ eligibility through academic monitoring and occasionally handling administrative tasks related to sports programs. High school coaching jobs often fall under a school’s athletic department or director of coaching.
College Soccer Coach
College coaches work at NCAA or NAIA schools and are responsible for recruiting, developing long-term game plans, and supporting student-athletes both academically and athletically. These are competitive positions that require licenses, coaching experience, and often a college degree. Success depends not only on wins and losses, but on helping players graduate and move forward in life, sometimes to professional soccer careers. Coaching education, planning, and knowledge of advanced game models, such as 9v9 and 11v11, become increasingly important at this level.
Academy Coach
Academy coaches work in elite youth soccer programs, focusing on preparing players for higher-level competition. They train players intensively, helping them improve their technical skills and monitor their progress. These roles often act as stepping stones to college or pro coaching.
Coaches also coordinate with physical trainers, nutritionists, and scouts to provide a comprehensive player and team development system. Many academies prefer a licensed coach who has completed a USSF soccer D license or higher.
Assistant Soccer Coach
Assistant coaches help head coaches with drills, training sessions, and game preparation. They might also analyze opponents, organize personal courses for small groups, or mentor individual players. These roles are typical at all levels of the soccer game.
Assistants often specialize in specific areas, such as goalkeeping, strength training, or tactical video review. Coaching experience as an assistant can be a strong entry point to head coaching jobs.
Professional Soccer Coach
Professional coaches lead top teams and are responsible for winning games, managing staff, and handling media relations. They work under high pressure and need deep knowledge of tactics, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record. They also work closely with front office staff to manage player transfers, contracts, and team branding.
While some arrive with professional playing experience, others build their careers through years of soccer education, licensing, and coaching at the youth and collegiate levels.
What Does It Take to Become a Soccer Coach?
Being a soccer coach means more than knowing the rules. You need to be a leader who can teach, motivate, and guide players. Coaches are good communicators, stay calm under pressure, and are open to learning. Discipline, organization, and a deep understanding of how the game is played are also necessary.
If you’ve asked yourself, “How can I become a soccer coach?”—start by developing these qualities. Whether you’re coaching children or adults, helping players grow is just as important as winning matches. A coaching license validates your knowledge and allows teams to trust your ability to lead training sessions and coaching games.
Education, Certifications & Coaching Experience
In the U.S., most coaches begin with the USSF Grassroots licenses. These grassroots courses cover different age groups and match formats, including 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. Many new coaches start with the “Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module” before moving to more advanced certifications. From there, you can progress through the soccer D license and eventually the C, B, A, and Pro licenses. Each level allows you to coach more advanced teams.
Some states or programs may also offer their certifications. A background in kinesiology, education, or sports science can also support your development as a coach.
More important is your coaching experience. Many coaches begin by helping with youth teams or volunteering at local clubs. Over time, this experience helps build your resume and skills.
Average Salary for Soccer Coaches
Salaries depend on where and who you coach. Here’s what most coaches can expect:
- Youth or part-time coaches: $20,000 to $40,000 per year
- High school coaches: $30,000 to $60,000
- College coaches: $50,000 to $100,000
- Professional coaches: $100,000 and up
Youth coaches typically earn less because many work part-time or in volunteer positions. High school coaches may earn more if they also hold full-time teaching roles. College coaches’ salaries vary by division and the success of their program. Division I coaches often earn more due to higher revenue and visibility.
At the top, professional soccer coaches can make six figures or more. Coaches in major leagues or national teams might even earn salaries in the millions. However, these positions come with intense pressure to perform and little job security.
Location also matters—coaching in larger cities or more competitive regions in the United States may come with higher pay. If you’re curious about where the best opportunities are, take a look at some of the top paying soccer jobs.
How to Become a Youth Soccer Coach
Starting as a youth soccer coach is one of the best ways to enter the field of coaching. Look for roles with community leagues, school teams, or local clubs. Many of these jobs don’t require much experience—just a willingness to learn and a basic certification. Obtaining your grassroots license and completing age-specific modules can help you become a licensed coach more quickly.
To do the job well, focus on making practices fun and educational. Young soccer players need to learn the game while staying excited about it. Helping them grow as players and people is the real win.
Becoming a Professional Soccer Coach
Reaching the pro level takes years of effort. You’ll need experience at lower levels, advanced licenses, and a strong network of connections. Many professional coaches have spent time leading college programs or elite youth teams. Others have served as assistant coaches for successful clubs.
You don’t need to have played professionally to coach professionally. What matters most is what you’ve done as a coach—how many players you’ve developed, games you’ve won, and lessons you’ve learned. Both playing experience and coaching education are helpful, but persistence and results are equally important.
Tips for Getting Hired as a Soccer Coach
Getting hired as a soccer coach isn’t just about your love for the game; it’s about how well you present your skills, experience, and commitment to learning.
Clubs, schools, and academies seek coaches who possess both soccer expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively with players and staff. Whether you’re applying for your first youth soccer role or aiming for a professional team, these tips will help you stand out and make a strong impression.
Step 1 – Build Your Coaching Resume Early
Start with any coaching role you can find—even if it’s unpaid. Volunteer positions, assistant jobs, or coaching at summer camps all count. Track your achievements, such as improving team records, helping players make school teams, or organizing community events. Highlight any leadership experience and include specifics on training methods, game models, and player and team development strategies.
Step 2 – Get Licensed and Keep Learning
Take your first Grassroots license and keep going. Each new license unlocks better opportunities. Attend coaching clinics and local or national workshops. Follow current soccer trends, watch games critically, and study successful coaches.
Explore person courses and attend state or national coaching education events. Demonstrate your commitment to learning and improving your skills.
Step 3 – Build a Network in the Soccer Community
Join soccer associations, attend events, and stay in contact with coaches and clubs. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about building trust and being known for your work ethic. Offer to help at tournaments, coach extra sessions, or speak at local soccer events. Reach out to a director of coaching or club leader when looking for new roles.
Step 4 – Apply to Soccer Coaching Jobs the Right Way
Customize your application to fit each job. Don’t send a generic resume. Focus on the specific skills and experiences that align with the team’s needs. Write a clear, honest cover letter showing why you care about the program.
Prepare for interviews by providing examples of how you solve problems or manage team dynamics. Always follow up to demonstrate professionalism.
Find Soccer Coaching Jobs Faster with JobsInSports
If you’re serious about finding a coaching job—whether it’s your first time on the sidelines or you’re aiming to move up to a more competitive level- JobsInSports.com is one of the best places to start. The platform connects aspiring and experienced coaches to real opportunities across the United States, including youth leagues, high school programs, college teams, and professional clubs.
In addition to job listings, JobsInSports.com offers valuable resources to help you improve your résumé, prepare for interviews, and understand what employers are looking for in a licensed coach. It’s more than a job board—it’s a coaching career tool built to help you stand out.
Create a free account today to explore the latest soccer coaching jobs. With thousands of listings and tools designed specifically for sports professionals, JobsInSports can help you take your next big step in soccer education, coaching experience, and career advancement.
