New York State West Youth Soccer

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About WomenInCoaching

Girls and women’s soccer is growing in New York State West, but where are the female coaches? There are 6.5 million adults across the United States who are coaching youth soccer (toddler through 14U), but only 27% of those coaching positions are held by women. In a 2019 report, it was noted that there are 4,412 coaches in New York State West, yet only 19% are female coaches.

NYSWYSA’s mission is to provide a lifelong positive experience by engaging, supporting, and advocating for females in the NYSW soccer community. Our goal is to increase the number of female coaches in our region as females are important role models. Girls may identify with and see a female coach as a mentor and as a role model “for what is possible”. This in turn helps girls boost their confidence and self-efficacy. Girls need to see women in leadership roles which helps them with their own confidence and psyche in playing sports.

The sport dropout rates are significantly higher among girls than boys (36% girls vs. 30% boys). We believe that female coaches play an important role when coaching girls’ teams. When girls and young women see adult females in coaching roles, they will be more likely to think about coaching as a legitimate and viable career. It may inspire them to become a coach in the future: “You can be it, if you can see it”.

AS such, NYSW is committed to the creation of a Women Coaches Initiative. A committee has been created to explore the barriers that prevents women from being on the field as a soccer coach. The committee meets once a month to discuss barriers, ideas, organize events, etc. to support female coaches.

Program and event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Diana Groth: digroth523@gmail.com

Women’s Only Coaching Courses

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association is excited to be sponsoring two women’s only grassroots coaching courses this spring. We are offering this opportunity to any female coach who lives and coaches within the New York State West footprint. These courses are free of charge to the first 15 coaches who register at the link below before March 1st, 2025.

  • Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Location: Lakefront Soccer Complex in Webster, New York
  • Fee: Free of Charge
  • Registration Deadline: March 1, 2025

Course Schedule:

  • 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM: Meet & Greet (Optional, snacks and beverages will be provided.)
  • 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Classroom & Field Sessions

Important Course Notes:

  • Applicants will have until March 1st, 2025, to register to be a part of the program. NYSWYSA will accept the first 15 applicants to participate in these coaching courses at no cost to them. 
  • Once a coach is accepted, they will receive an invitation to register for each grassroots course. Student coaches will be required to pay for each course at registration. Coaches will be reimbursed the entire registration fee by NYSW at the completion of the courses.  
  • Applicants are required to take part in both the 9v9 and 11v11 courses.  
  • Contact Diana Groth at digroth523@gmail.com or Dave Kreger at coachinged@nyswysa.org with any questions. 
  • Registration for this course will be open in early January 15th, 2025.

Additional Resources

Webinar Archives

Tracy Hamm: March 2021

Sarah Lowdon: April 2021

Sarah Milner: May 2021

Candice Fabry: January 2022

Stephanie Gabbert: March 2023