Be a Volunteer
Be an AYSO volunteer!
Why? Because we can't survive without you. AYSO Region 418 is an all-volunteer organization - the fees we charge pay strictly for uniforms, equipment, and other expenses. Organizing a soccer program for over 3,000 kids is an enormous undertaking made possible only through the dedicated efforts of people like you. All households with a child in the program are asked to provide one volunteer. Volunteers without a child in the program are also welcome.
How much time is required? We have jobs to suit all schedules and talents. Time commitment can be as little as a few hours on one day; some jobs can be done at home.
How do I sign up? All individuals who volunteer in any capacity must submit a volunteer application. Parents are asked to submit this application at annual registration in May. To do so:
1. Complete the volunteer application using eAYSO, our online registration service. The application requires you to give three references, including a personal reference, a professional reference and a reference from any prior volunteer experience with youth.
2. Print two copies of the application. You may wish to print a third copy for your records.
3. Bring both copies of the application plus your driver's license or state photo ID to registration in person. ALTERNATIVE: Another adult in your household can bring in your forms if they have your driver's license or state photo ID to confirm your signature (photocopy OK).
WE NEED ALL KINDS OF VOLUNTEERS!
- Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Referee
- Youth Referee
- Team Parent
- Division Coordinators
- Field Management
- Registration
- Data Management
- Special Events
- Equipment Management
- Tournament Management
- Uniform Management
Coach Time commitment: ~50 hrs/yr. A coach participates on game days, holds team practices, teaches game fundamentals to the players, and helps players develop good sportsmanship. Attends fall division meeting, spring coach meeting, coach training, and weekly practices and games. You don't need to have played soccer or know much about it in order to coach. Particularly at the lower levels, many coaches learn the game along with their kids.
Assistant Coach Time commitment: 2-3 hrs/wk during season. The assistant coach assists the coach at practices and games and stands in for the coach when necessary. Attends coach training, fall division meeting, spring coach meeting, and weekly practices and games.
Referee Time commitment: 1-3 hours on game day. The referee arbitrates games, helping players understand why an infraction or penalty is called. At younger levels, referees may show the proper way to do throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks, etc. Attends referee training and one annual referee meeting.
Youth Referee Same duties as referee. Youth referees are players or youth age 12 and up. Can use this experience to meet school community service requirements.
Team Parent Time commitment: 1½ hrs/wk during season. The team parent coordinates the snack schedule and otherwise assists the coach and assistant coach, e.g., distributing uniforms, picking up trophies or picture orders, etc.
Division Coordinator Time commitment: ~20 hrs/yr. The division coordinator is the division liaison between the coaches and parents and Division Coach Administrator and is involved in the team balancing and team formation process; works with coaches on uniforms, training, game schedules, and other division tasks as necessary.
Field Management Time commitment: 3+ hours each season. Help plan field layout in late summer; stripe fields before season begins; refresh lines in early AM on game days.
Registration Time commitment: 3-4 hours in April, May or June. Tasks include:
Planning/preparation. Help prepare for annual registration, including making signs; preparing handouts; purchasing supplies, materials, and equipment; distributing publicity; and recruiting or coordinating volunteers.
Registration Day. Assist at annual registration, late registration or wait list registration, e.g., greet parents, distribute forms, check information, process fees, sort and organize forms.
Post-registration work. Assist with follow ups as needed; prepare forms for database entry; manage records.
Data Management Time commitment: 3-4 hours in May or June. Assist with entering, checking and reconciling data in office database. Allied with post-registration day work.
Special Events Volunteers assist with:
Photo Day. Time commitment: Two Saturday mornings at the field, Photo Day plus prior week. Make sure information about Photo Day procedures is disseminated to coaches and parents.
Trophy Day. Time commitment: 2-4 hours in early June. Help sort and organize team trophies, distribute to teams.
Equipment Management Time commitment: 3-4 hours in August, November, April, or June. Retrieve goals and other equipment from storage at the beginning of each season; return to storage at end of season; take inventory of equipment as needed.
Newsletter Time commitment: 3-5 hours April - October. Assist in publication of regional newsletter - , write articles, submit photos, etc.
Year End Tournament Coordinator: Plans, coordinates tournament, and submission rules to AYSO. Also must be available for the actual tournament weekend. We are currently seeking 5 volunteers to team up on this project.
Uniform Management Time Commitment: 8-10 hours during July/August. 3-4 hours/month during months of play. Requirements: Regular/consistent Internet access. The time to answer/address frequent requests from players/families. Ability to negotiate new agreements with vendors. Ability to create and maintain a spreadsheet representing the complete regional uniform order. Ability to manage vendor (Score), distribution partner (Chicago Soccer), and interface with division administrators, coaches and parents. Verify invoices.
This position is best handled by one person, and a relatively turn-key system exists.
Statistician Time commitment: 1½ hrs/wk during season. Collect weekly games cards and input game data used by division administrators for team balancing and game scheduling. Work with data management volunteers.
VOLUNTEER FORM, PLEASE SUBMIT ONE TODAY!