Fostering inclusive environments for families, athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and referees is critical to growing youth soccer.
WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH focuses on the recruitment, advancement and retention of women coaches in all sports and levels through professional growth and leadership development programs. Two years ago, WeCOACH – formerly known as the Alliance of Women Coaches – launched its flagship initiative “MOVE the NUMBERS” to improve the landscape for women coaches and the student athletes they lead, noting “if she can see her, she can be her.”
US Club Soccer has invested significantly in its coach membership base, providing women member coaches with complimentary WeCOACH memberships. Coaches can now engage in numerous programs offered by WeCOACH and build their personal networks. Programs include: the Youth & High School Women Coaches Academy, Regional Workshops, WeMENTOR Program, Video Chats, WeAMPLIFY (women of color initiative), and the About Time podcast. In addition, access to several new programs that were launched in 2023 will be available, like: WeCONNECT Women Coaches, a peer-to-peer learning opportunity led by coaches, and WeELEVATE, a program that focuses on assistant and associate-head coaches who aspire to become head coaches.
Ready to Take Action?
First, take advantage of your complimentary WeCOACH membership, which provides access to research-backed educational programs and initiatives. US Club Soccer member women coaches should have received an email with details for claiming your free account, but if you didn’t, simply email wecoach@usclubsoccer.org to gain access.
Next, apply for a scholarship to attend WeCOACH’s annual Youth & High School Women Coaches Academy, which is held virtually. The Academy is a program that provides professional development with advanced leadership skills and strategies that directly impact personal and team success. Check back for more details after WeCOACH announces the 2025 event.
Coaching HER
Coaching HER, a research-based online program out of the University of Minnesota’s Tucker Center on Girls and Women in Sport and backed by Nike, was created for coaches, parents and leaders in sport to understand how to best coach girls. The program’s online modules help minimize gender inequalities with topics related to confidence, motivation, body image and unconscious biases. Coaching HER will also contribute resources to US Club Soccer’s digital channels, including its new mobile app.
Ready to Take Action?
US Club Soccer coaches, parents and club leaders are encouraged to access and complete the free, online modules at coachingher.com.
