Fall 2025 - Season Info

• You should bring both red and blue each Saturday.
• Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing, dark athletic shorts, and shin guards under your team socks (shin guards, socks, shoes)
• Leave the jewelry/watch/fitbit at home, no jewelry, not even covered or taped over.
• No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices.
  
• Concerns, comments, kudos, issues, we have a form for that ( here ).

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner and some other hats.

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

Hello Coaches,

One of the best things about AYSO is the sense of community it builds for everyone who loves the game. Youth sports bring families together, create lifelong friendships, and help develop well-rounded, confident kids. When we work together as a community, we become stronger. Not only supporting our own players, but also others in need.

Many of you may have heard about our friends in Lebanon. Their high school stadium has been condemned and can no longer be used for sporting events. Lebanon High School is currently the only Oregon school in the Top 25 for T-Mobile’s $1 Million Stadium Grant.

This isn’t just about football. This grant would benefit soccer, band, cheer, track, dance, drill, youth sports, and countless community events. Lebanon is currently in second place and could use our help to push into first.

You can vote once a day per email address.
Please take a moment to help them by voting here: www.vote4lebanon.com 

End-of-Season Reminders

• Coaches Bags & Gear: Please keep your coach bag, gear, and ball bag for the spring season.

• Not Returning? If you are not planning to coach in the spring or have players who will not return, please fill out this form as soon as possible:
  Player/Volunteer Drops Early notice allows us to fill volunteer roles and ensure teams start smoothly in the spring.

Winter Opportunities

We’re excited to offer Indoor Soccer and Goalkeeper Clinics this winter starting November 8th and 9th. Please share these opportunities with your players and parents who want to continue improving their skills during the off-season:

• Indoor Soccer: https://www.corvallisayso.org/programs/indoor.html

• Keeper Clinics: https://www.corvallisayso.org/programs/clinics.html

Coach Training & Important Dates

Winter break is a great time to catch up on your coach training. Many yearly refreshers expired this fall, and all coaches must be up to date to coach in the spring.

• In-person field training makeups:

  • Saturday, March 14th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Friday, April 3rd, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
    (You must attend one of these sessions to coach this spring if you missed it this fall.)

• Spring Season Timeline:

  • Practices may begin March 16th

  • First games: Saturday, April 4th

Thank You

I want to extend a huge thank you to each and every one of you for volunteering your time this season. AYSO runs on the passion and commitment of volunteers like you.

Change can be challenging, and as we look for ways to improve player development and make coaching easier, there can be learning curves and growing pains. Your feedback and dedication make a difference.

During the winter break, AYSO will hold its annual retreat to explore ways to strengthen our organization. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or concerns, please reach out. We value your voice.

As you wrap up your final game of the season:

• Please remember to start and end your games on time.

• Don’t forget to turn in your last coach report.

Thank you again for being such a vital part of our soccer community. Have a great final weekend of the season and good luck out on the field!

Thank you,

Katie Zeiner

Coach Administrator, Coach Instructor,  Head Coach

• You should bring both red and blue each Saturday. Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing, dark athletic shorts, and shin guards under your team socks (shin guards, socks, shoes)
• Leave the jewelry/watch/fitbit at home, no jewelry, not even covered or taped over.
• No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices.
  
• Concerns, comments, kudos, issues, we have a form for that ( here ).

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner along with Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

Dear Coaches,

We had another fantastic weekend of soccer. Thank you all for your continued energy, creativity, and commitment to your teams!

Before jumping into the Week 5 highlights, I want to take a moment to clarify the training requirements for all head and assistant coaches. These are mandated by both AYSO and Oregon state law, and staying up to date ensures that we can continue providing a safe, fun, and development-focused environment for all players.

Required Coach Trainings – Please Review

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s required:

• Age-Specific Coach Training (online & in-person)

• Safe Haven – Only needs to be completed once

• SafeSport – Annual refresher required

• CDC Concussion Training – Annual refresher required

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Optional, but highly encouraged (one-time)

*Note on CDC Concussion Training:
You will not see an expiration on your Sports Connect account. AYSO only tracks it once, but Oregon law requires a yearly refresher. To stay compliant, please log in to AYSOU and retake the CDC Concussion training each year. We'll also send reminders as needed.

Coaches out of compliance may have their volunteer status removed, which could result in canceled practices/games if a replacement coach isn’t available. Please reach out if you’re unsure of your status, we’re happy to help.

What Went Well This Week

• More coaches are submitting game reports. Thank you!
  These take just a few minutes and provide invaluable insight. Coaches are using them to ask for help balancing games, managing behaviors, and encouraging sportsmanship. It’s a great tool. Use it to get advice or feedback!

• Players are focusing less on the score and more on development.
  Thanks to your positive coaching and the goal limits, players are beginning to understand the value of teamwork, positioning, and skill development. Many don’t even need reminders about their scoring limits. Incredible work, coaches!

Areas for Improvement

Kinder–2nd Grade

• Please avoid removing players as an equalizing strategy. Instead, add a player to the team that is behind. This keeps the game inclusive and allows more development opportunities for everyone.

• Limit "goal camping." We know it's tough at these ages! Here are a few fun practice ideas to help:

  “No Parking in the Box” Drill

  • Create a no-go zone in front of the goal with cones.

  • Players can't stand in this area during activities.

  • Encourages movement and better positioning.

  “Find the Open Space” Game

  • In small scrimmages, praise or reward players for moving into open space.

  • Builds spatial awareness and reduces crowding.

  “Box Out” Defense

  • 1v1 or 2v2 where defenders must redirect attackers rather than stand in the goal.

  • Reinforces active defending.

  “Quick Freeze & Discuss”

  • Freeze play and ask players questions like:
    “Where are you?” “Who are you near?” “Are you giving your team options?”

  • Helps with awareness and positioning.

3rd–4th Grade

• Build-Out Line Clarification:

  • On a goal kick or when the goalie gains possession, the defending team must retreat behind the build-out line immediately.

  • The goalkeeper may restart play at any time, and defenders cannot cross the line until the ball has left the penalty box.

• Goal Limit Rule & Corner/Goal Kick Clarification:

  • If a player who’s reached their goal limit scores again:

    • If it deflects off a defender: it’s a corner kick.

    • If it goes in clean: it’s a goal kick for the opposing team.

  • Think of the goal line as a standard end line for players at their goal limit.

Coach Shout-Outs

5th/6th Grade Boys: Demon Hunters & The Devils
These two teams had a fantastic back-and-forth game filled with high-level play. Coaches even connected at an OSU game and are considering a future scrimmage because the game was that good. Great collaboration and sportsmanship!

1st Grade Boys: Fire Crackers & Megalodon
At the end of the game, coaches brought players from both teams together in a circle to celebrate their hard work. A beautiful moment of unity and positive reinforcement. Well done, coaches!

Kinder Boys: Praying Mantises
Coach created a fun “Octopus” game using pool noodles to chase players while they worked on dribbling. This kind of creativity makes soccer memorable and joyful, and that’s what it’s all about!

Two Weeks Left – Let’s Finish Strong!

Let’s keep the momentum going and make these last two weeks our best yet. Please remember to:

1. Complete your required trainings
2. Turn in your game reports
3. Reach out if you need support or resources

Thank you for being part of what makes this program so special. Your energy, effort, and heart are what keep our players coming back each week excited to play.

Let’s make Week 6 another great one!

Thank you,

Katie Zeiner

Coach Administrator, Coach Instructor,  Head Coach

• You should bring both red and blue each Saturday. Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing, dark athletic shorts, and shin guards under your team socks (shin guards, socks, shoes)
• Leave the jewelry/watch/fitbit at home, no jewelry, not even covered or taped over.
• No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices.
  
• Concerns, comments, kudos, issues, we have a form for that ( here ).

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner along with Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

Hi Coaches,

We’re down to the final three weeks of the season. How time flies! Fingers crossed for cooler weather and dry skies to finish strong.

First, a huge thank you to all the coaches and assistant coaches who’ve stepped up recently. Your time, energy, and positivity make a real difference. These players are lucky to have you!

Volunteer Requirements Reminder

To ensure we’re complying with AYSO regulations and the law, here’s a quick breakdown of who needs to be registered and why:

• Casual helpers (e.g., a parent shagging balls at practice):
  - No registration or background check needed.

• Sideline helpers (e.g., managing the bench, subs):
  - Must be registered as a Team Manager volunteer and complete a background check.

• Coaching support (e.g., helping at practice, giving coaching instructions, joining huddles):
  - Must register as a Coach volunteer, complete a background check, and complete the required training.

You can have multiple assistant coaches and team managers on your roster. If you have parent helpers, please send them this link to register and complete the background check:
https://www.corvallisayso.org/docs/RegVolunteer.pdf

Referees: No Spectator Refs Allowed

For divisions 3rd/4th grade and up, spectators cannot act as referees. All referees must:

• Be registered as a Volunteer Referee

• Complete a background check

• Finish the appropriate referee training

If a parent or youth is interested in refereeing, please have them contact our Referee Administrator:
Chris Jordan (here) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reminder: If your team doesn’t have a certified referee, your game will become a scrimmage, and one of the coaches will need to step in.

Emails & Required Trainings

We’ve sent out multiple reminders regarding:

• Background check renewals

• Missing online trainings

Please check your spam/junk folders in case you missed them. We’re now in Week 5 and all online trainings should be completed. Many of you signed a coaching agreement committing to finish your certifications. If you haven’t yet completed these, please do so ASAP.

We’ll have team helpers checking in at games to follow up with coaches who still need to sign their coaching agreement. This often applies to those added late or who missed in-person training. A copy of the Coach Agreement and Balanced Game Rules are attached for your reference.

Balanced Play & Equalizing Strategy

Please remember: Player development is our top priority, not running up the score.

If a game hits a 6-goal difference, you must swap players between teams. This should only happen once, and those players stay on their new team for the rest of the game.

With strong positive coaching, you can keep players engaged and focused on improving skills other than scoring. Let’s all work together to keep morale high and games fun and competitive for all.

Game Reports

There’s now a new option on game reports: Check a box if you missed the game or forgot the score.
No need to leave comments if you weren’t present. Just check the box and submit.

We expect one game report from each Head and Assistant Coach per game. Please take a moment after your match to complete it. It helps us a lot!

Coach Shout-Outs

1st Grade Boys: Infinity Smash & Fire Crackers
A fantastic example of teamwork and flexibility! One team was low on players, so both coaches combined teams and called it “Mix Up Day.” Great sportsmanship and the kids had a blast. Well done!

7th/8th Grade Boys: Coaches Jeremy, Wendy & Logan
Handled a contentious match with grace and professionalism. The referee noted how composed and respectful they were under pressure. A true model for others. Thank you for showing your players the power of positive coaching and good sportsmanship.

Thanks again for all that you do. Good luck with your upcoming matches!

Thank you,

Katie Zeiner

Coach Administrator, Coach Instructor, Head Coach

• You should bring both red and blue each Saturday. Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing, dark athletic shorts, and shin guards under your team socks (shin guards, socks, shoes)
• Leave the jewelry/watch/fitbit at home, no jewelry, not even covered or taped over.
• No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices.
  
• Concerns, comments, kudos, or issues, we have a form for that ( here ).

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner and five other hats.

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

Dear Coaches,

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reach out and share your thoughts on the new balanced game rules. We’ve received a lot of valuable feedback, and it’s been great to see such active engagement from our coaching community.

Many of you have expressed appreciation for the goal cap, noting how it encourages a stronger focus on player development. By shifting attention to areas like defense, passing, and teamwork, this rule not only benefits the overall growth of our players but also creates opportunities for those who may not typically get a chance to score.

We’re always looking to improve and evolve, and your continued feedback and dialogue play a key role in that process. Please keep it coming! We’re all one team working toward the same goal!

What Went Well:

• Coaches helping coaches. Pre-game discussions make mid game adjustments go smoothly. It's great to see coaches being focus on player development and willing to trade players to keep the games balance.

• Managing players through the heat. By using positive coaching we are able to keep players motivated during early games and during the heat of late games

• More comments in game reports. We love to hear how the game went. Thank you to those who take the time to recap on the game in the comment section of your game report. It is wonderful to see the equalizing strategies you are using and the fun environment you are creating on the pitch!

 What We Can Improve:

• Timeliness. It is important you start on time. Please do not show up to your field when your game is supposed to start. Also, do not finish your game when the next game is supposed to start. We added a buffer between games but you must start on time.

• Remind spectators to cheer positively. We have heard reports where spectators are not cheering positively. Please remind them this is a Kid Zone and to be respectful. Always use your game reports to report issues to AYSO. Thank you to the coaches who address an issue with spectators to remain positive!

• Remember to be a positive role model. When coaches show frustration while using equalizing strategies, players often pick up on that and may become frustrated as well. Always keep player development as your top priority, and encourage your players to focus on the positive aspects of the game.

  Also, please be mindful when speaking with the opposing coach about making adjustments to balance the game. These conversations can sometimes be overheard by players, which may affect their confidence or morale. A quick, discreet conversation before or during the game or halftime is usually best.

Coach Shoutouts: Great Leadership in Action

• Jessica & Joshua (5th/6th Grade Boys): Both of their game reports showed high respect for each other and their coaching. They were grateful for a great referee

• Raychel and Andrea (Kinder Girls): In pre-game discussions they came up with a plan for when the game became unbalanced, however it never did. Multiple players scored even those who normally play defense. The coaches were in constant communication and supported every victory for all players.

Thank you again to all of you for the time and energy you put into coaching. It truly makes a difference. Best of luck to everyone this Saturday!

• Home team wears red, away team wears blue. You should bring both.
• Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing, dark athletic shorts, and shin guards under your team socks (shin guards, socks, shoes)
• Leave the jewelry/watch/fitbit at home, no jewelry, not even covered or taped over.
• Leave the pets at home. No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices. Please clearly mark service animals to help avoid being asked repeatedly by volunteers (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
  
• Sit 4ft back from the field on the side with the spectator sign.
• Concerns, comments, kudos, or issues, we have a form for that ( here ).

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner, Webmaster

Open Board Positions: Acting Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate, Acting Equipment Manager, Acting Indoor Soccer Coordinator, Acting Director of Referee Instruction, & Acting Fields Coordinator < < Could use your help: https://corvallisayso.org/form/board-application 

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner, Webmaster, Acting CVPA, & Acting Fields Coordinator

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by Volunteers.... including me.

• Home team wears red, away team wears blue. Probably bring both.
• Wear your uniform/jersey over all other clothing.
• Bring water.
• Wear dark athletic shorts or buy shorts at the equipment sale.
• Wear shin guards under your team socks. Shin guards behind the socks, order is shin guards, socks, shoes, fun!
• Leave the jewelry/watch at home, no jewelry.
• Leave the pets at home. No Pets: No pets near the playing areas during any AYSO activities, games, or practices. Please clearly mark service animals to help avoid being asked repeatedly by volunteers (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
  
• Arrive at least 20 min before game start.
• Find the field and the best parking area.
• Sit 4ft back from the field on the side with the spectator sign or the S painted on the ground. (Teams have a T near half on the other side)

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner, Webmaster, Acting Game Scheduler, Acting Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate, Acting Equipment Manager, Acting Indoor Soccer Coordinator, Acting Director of Referee Instruction, & Acting Fields Coordinator < < Seriously could use your help: https://corvallisayso.org/form/board-application 

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by Volunteers.... including me.

Thanks,

Andy Ungerer

AYSO Region 149 Registrar

Team Volunteers: Head Coach or Team Manager OR if you are the only team volunteer, you need to call the team meeting to discuss the season.

Plan a Team Meeting & Practice: To-Do List

• Contact all families (use prior group email or Sports Connect's team email system on your team page (search here, or it is often a link by the player/volunteer name after you log in https://ayso149.org)).
• Propose a day, time, & location to have all players come to play and parents to meet.
  • Players will need shin guards at a minimum.
  • If you do not have the team equipment yet, have players bring a ball to do some school yard soccer as you meet.
  • A parent of the player needs to stay the entire time.
• Remind parents the day of the meeting.
• Double check you emailed everyone by looking at the Sports Connect roster in the team page.

During the Team Meeting & Practice: Check List

• Send players to start playing, break the ice to start. Try the basics of passing with a buddy OR set up a some goals and let them start playing OR another P.E. type activity (freeze tag, kick a ball between legs to unfreeze).
• If possible, I would task another volunteer with managing the players' activity while you meet.
• Talk to the parents and discuss...
  • Needed Volunteers?
    • Head Coach: Need someone designated as the head, but co-coaches or split job coaches are common (cannot make Saturdays, but can run practices?).
    • Asst. Coach: Each practice needs to have two adult volunteers just in case. All coaches need to take the same trainings, but not all coaches do the same tasks/jobs, you can have an assistant for practices and another for games, as many assistant coaches as you need.
    • Youth Coach Helper: Not needed... but could cover a soccer skills need. Yes, 12+ can help at practices and games, but they need to be registered and take the trainings... remember you still need two adults at each practice.
    • Team Manager: Not required, we assume the head coach if no person is designated. BUT they can be incredibly helpful in reading the emails, talking with parents, and helping the team function.
    • Centering Referee: 3rd-8th need to have someone trained to referee your games. The scheduling is done by signing up, but without each team having this person that is up for the challenging task, coaches can sometimes be stuck with the burden of doing multiple jobs in the game day that has now become a scrimmage day. We offer training and support, you can ref your own team/player, and parents should not just look within the team for someone to help... aunts, uncles, grandparents, that sports friend, etc.
    • Additional Referee: 5th-8th, we look to have 3 referees at each of the higher games, youth 12+ can fill this role and volunteers can sign up for what games they want to do. Similar to the centering referee, look outside the box and ask the parents to help recruit.
  • Practice Times & Location: 1st - 8th (learn more https://corvallisayso.org/coaches/practices)
    • Parks are first come, first served.
    • Elementary Schools, many can work with a first come, first served as you will likely work with other groups to find space (except Adams, you need to reserve to use Adams).
    • REMINDER: an adult that is the gender of the players is needed at each practice. Other teams practicing at the same time in the same area could fill this, but if you are off on your own... you need to schedule someone.
  • Parent/Player Expectations
    • Expectations of timeliness.
    • What players need to bring to what.
    • NOTICE: we have moved to a two color system where each player gets two jerseys, parents should always bring both (games will be home team = red, away team = blue).
    • What players should not bring, watches, jewelry, etc.
    • CONFIRM EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
      (Team volunteers, you will get the player release data and medical notes before games start)
• Get your action item list assembled for after the meeting.
  • To get team equipment, the required volunteers need to be registered. (we check this at the coach equipment pickup events)
  • FILL OUT THE TEAM WORKSHEET (Manager or Head Coach)
    
    • Finish it as soon as you can, if you are still missing a volunteer you can fill the name with 'none yet'.
    • https://corvallisayso.org/form/team-worksheet
  • Send notes to the entire team and tell parents about any team need or follow-up items.
• What happens if you do not get the needed volunteers?
  • We do all we can to help, please fill out the team worksheet and note what you are missing and need help with. The sheet goes to your division coordinator so they can allocate volunteers, set the team name, and help look for potential volunteers.
  • Your soft start / first game will be a recruiting event :(. AYSO Benton County is entirely volunteer run, we are motivated by the desire to provide world-class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.
  • Worst case & rare... a team missing a head coach can cause the team to be disbanded, and we will try to distribute players as we are able.
  • A team missing referees are assessed in each division to see if the total pool of volunteers can cover the need.

VOLUNTEERS if you have questions, the best place is at a training or a coach equipment pickup event.

Thank You,
Luke Cotton
Region Commissioner, Webmaster, & Fields Coord.

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) - Region 149
A 5060 SW Philomath Blvd #193 Corvallis, OR 97333

AYSO, where kids play in a fun, family environment powered by volunteers.... including me.

• Equipment: You are responsible for black shorts, outdoor shoes or soccer cleats, and shin guards. Jersey and socks pickup will be late August (for those that bought them in registration), along with a shoe swap and shin guard sale.
• Coach Training: If you are interested in coaching, please block out time for a training opportunity on 8/16 (9am-12pm), 8/23 (9am-12pm), or 9/5 (5:30-8pm). Coaches will also have opportunities to grab team gear on 8/22 (5-7pm), 8/23 (12-2pm), or 9/5 (4-6pm).
• Practices for 1st-8th: Team coaches make final decisions on practices, but if the coaches are able and teams are ready to go, practices could start the week of August 25th.
• Games: First game is 9/6, expect games starting between 8am-1pm. Games are played at the fields area by Adams Elementary School in Corvallis. 7th/8th teams will have traveling games.
• Changes: We have a few changes this year with game play balancing, a unique opening game day schedule on 9/6, and how we get equipment to coaches and families. Please stay tuned for emails that have "[CorvallisAYSO]" in the subject line. Over the next few weeks, we will be finalizing details for the season and getting them on the website: https://www.corvallisayso.org