The Canadian Soccer Association states that "The Primary responsibility of a youth soccer coach is to help the young player to have fun, learn and improve. This responsibility makes a youth coach different from any other official in the club, league or association. We (coaches) coach for the joy and success of the players - and no other reason."

Twice a year, Scotia Soccer Club announces that we are accepting applications for coaching positions. To coach is a rewarding position. Past coaches have often said that they feel that they learn more and get more out of it than what the players experience. To start coaching at the mini level, you don't require any knowledge of the sport, or even an athletic ability. A voice, a good ear and being able to blow a whistle certainly helps! Although quite often our coaches are parents of players, this does not mean that you can't be a teenage brother or sister, aunt, uncle, and even a grandparent or a member of our community who wants to get out, meet people, and participate in a worthwhile cause.

Scotia does everything we can to support you through this experience. If you are very new to coaching, we offer you a training session as an introduction to the soccer program, conducted by our Technical Training Staff. This session will be held outside on a field. In addition, the Club will reimburse you for costs for attending up to two preapproved coaching courses a year! At the mini level, we have a Club representative who will help you get acquainted with such things as the equipment and rules of both the Club and the fields. A big part of the learning experience for our players is eventually being hired on as trainers. Each mini field has one or more trainers who will provide training sessions prior to the games, and act as referees, so you can concentrate on your job at being the coach.
Besides a willingness to move from your lawn chair position on the side lines to the bench along with the players, is your commitment to attend coaching training sessions and obtain a police check. We accept copies of police checks which have been conducted within the past 3 years. If you don't have one, then the Club will reimburse you for the cost (at the volunteer rate), once you supply us with the original copy.
If you are not currently in the position to volunteer as a coach, please look around you and mention this opportunity to your friends and family!
What if you don't want the commitment of a Coach, but still want to help out?
The Coach selects his/her assistants and managers.  There are usually one of each for a team.  Don't be shy, offer your help.  You might be surprised that others are quick to offer assistance as well.  Teams in leagues also need Field Marshalls, which is a position that can be rotated throughout the year, and the Manager can make up a list of games with parents who will fill this role at each game. All managers and assistant coaches are officially attached to the team roster, the Club pays accident insurance for them and they are governed by the same rules and regulations as the coach.  They must have completed an application/registration form for the current season, and obtained a police check.

What does an Under 6 and Under 8 Game Leader do?
The hour of soccer is in a station format where a Scotia trainer  wil be at each skill station. The trainer will have the station setup, demonstrate and coach the players. The Game Leader's responsibility will be to encourage the players at thos skill stations. The Game Leader will also be responsible to move their team from station to station and will take the lead at game stations. Game stations are already be set up. The Game Leaders from both teams ensure play continues and the players each get about equal time on the field. There is a short 12-minute video that can be watched through coachcentre.ca to go over the process. Consequently, a parent with even no soccer experience can take up the challenge!