be the reason they love the game!

confidence. friendship. belonging. it all starts with someone choosing to coach!

Our Standard is simple

Create a safe, welcoming place. Put players first. Give everyone opportunities to learn. Model respect. Prioritize development over winning. Let them play.

  • Create a safe place.
  • put players first.
  • give everyone a chance.
  • model respect.
  • let them play.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU. COACHES LIKE US

Carol V.

"Taking a coaching role with the Hawks allowed us to build an instant community, who is now more like family, after moving to a brand new city and state."

Carol V.

Ben P.

"Coaching gives us a rare opportunity to have a real, positive impact on the lives of our athletes, and we get to have fun in the process!"

Ben P.

David B.

"One of the best parts of coaching is getting to coach my own child while watching them and so many other kids fall in love with the beautiful game."

David B.

Lisa T.

"This community has been a blessing to our family!"

Lisa T.

Chris R.

"The dedication of this league's committee and its volunteer coaches is unrivaled."

Chris R.

Trevor W.

"I'm proud to be a part of a club that brings families and our community together"

Trevor W.

Chris H.

"Being a part of this league has helped my kids grow not only as soccer players but also as teammates, friends, and young people both on and off the field."

Chris H.

Carol V.

"Taking a coaching role with the Hawks allowed us to build an instant community, who is now more like family, after moving to a brand new city and state."

Carol V.

Ben P.

"Coaching gives us a rare opportunity to have a real, positive impact on the lives of our athletes, and we get to have fun in the process!"

Ben P.

you bring the energy

Purpose

Help a child build confidence, discover a new skill and feel proud to be part of a team.

Connection

Get to know players and families, and share the season’s challenges and successes with fellow coaches.

community

Play an active part in the Hawks community and help shape the experience of the next generation.

We bring the support

  • PRACTICE PLANS

    A good practice gives players plenty of opportunities to move, use the ball and make decisions. We provide practice resources for your age group to plan a clear session with simple activities, short explanations and time to play. Adapt the challenge to the players in front of you and keep everyone involved.

  • AGE GUIDES

    We have developed an age appropriate learning plan for each age group.  These guides are designed to help you know your players and how best you can help develop them.  


  • COACH EDUCATION

    In addition to our practice sessions, Rule book and age appropriate learning plan we also provide access through US Soccer to countless sample sessions and exercises. Through our partnership with NSC we also provide coaches with a pre-season coach clinic to help get them ready and inspired for kickoff.  


  • MATCH-DAY HELP

    Check the fixture, venue, arrival instructions and applicable age-group rules before match day. Everything you need is in PlayMetrics.  Plan participation so every player has meaningful opportunities to contribute. If a problem arises, contact a Soccer Committee or Hawks board member on site throughout Match days to resolve the issue rather than improvising a change to the rules.


  • PLAYMETRICS

    Use PlayMetrics for team schedules and communication with families. Share clear arrival instructions, equipment reminders and changes in good time. Check that the families on your roster can access the team. Follow Hawks communication and safeguarding rules when contacting players; use approved channels and include parents or guardians as required.


  • SEASON-LONG SUPPORT

    Ask for help early if you have a coaching question, a participation concern or a difficult team situation. Email communications@springhillsports.com with any questions or contact our Soccer Director for support. Match day operational help is available on site through our Soccer Committee.  Report any safety concerns or other issues at the earliest opportunity


Coach the hawks way

safe

fair

positive

player-centered

respectful

BECOMING A hawks COACH

Every player deserves a safe, positive environment. Before any practice, match or team activity, every head coach and assistant coach must be fully registered, approved and credentialed in accordance with the guidance laid out by US Soccer. Teams may have one head coach and up to two assistant coaches.

  • 1. Register your interest

    Submit your interest in coaching through PlayMetrics and be assigned to the appropriate team. Ensure your U.S. Soccer Learning Center account is linked correctly to PlayMetrics. Registration is not complete until that link is verified and your name appears on the team staff.

  • 2. Complete your assigned requirements

    Complete SafeSport Training, Health and Safety Training, Background Screening and any additional requirements assigned by U.S. Soccer, Tennessee State Soccer Association or the Hawks. Use the designated process so completion can be verified.  Ensure you have joined our group here.  There is no charge to you for any of this.  All requirements must be complete before you coach or supervise players.


  • 3. Submit the required information

    Provide a clear, front-facing photograph and any other requested information through the approved system. Make sure your registration details match your training and screening records.


  • 4. Receive approval

    We must confirm you have completed all necessary verification steps with US Soccer and verify that with TSSA before you take part in any practices or be on the touchlines for matches. Submitting an application or completing a course alone does not confirm approval.  Once you have cleared everything you will be given your Coach Jersey - no presence on the touchlines during matches is permitted without that jersey.


  • 5. Prepare for your team

    Review the coaching standard, age-group rules, emergency procedures and PlayMetrics guidance. Attend our pre-season Coach meeting and collect your coach bag which includes all the equipment you will need to coach as well as your team's unifirms from concessions.


  • SEASON-LONG SUPPORT

    Ask for help early if you have a coaching question, a participation concern or a difficult team situation. Email communications@springhillsports.com with any questions or contact our Soccer Director for support. Match day operational help is available on site through our Soccer Committee.  Report any safety concerns or other issues at the earliest opportunity


GREAT COACHING STARTS WITH CARE

Only fully approved, registered and credentialed coaches may coach, assist, supervise players or occupy the technical area during matches. The official Hawks Coach Jersey is your visible credential. It must be worn on match day or you will not be permitted on the touchline. Parents, former coaches and other helpers may not coach at all without league approval. No Coach Jersey = No Coaching. 

Considerations before you apply

  • Time commitment: One one-hour practice each week plus Saturday matches during the season, with preparation and required onboarding in addition.
  • No previous soccer experience or coaching licenses required.
  • There is no costs to you; all equipment and training needed is provided free of charge. 
  • Have questions?  Email: communications@springhillsports.com

THE HAWKS COACHING STANDARD

Our coaches shape more than a game.

They help shape how children see themselves, their teammates and the experience of sport.

You might not be able to become the next Pep or turn a child into the next superstar at this level with one hour of practice a week but you can ruin their experience of the game and put them off the beautiful game for life. 

This is why development, enjoyment and experience are the cornerstones of being a Hawks coach and winning must never come at the expense of any of those.

Create a safe, welcoming environment. Know the safety procedures, maintain your required approvals and help every player feel included.


Put the whole player first. Support confidence, decision-making, resilience and enjoyment alongside soccer skills.


Give every player opportunities to grow. Plan meaningful and substantially fair playing time during each match whenever reasonably possible. Temporary exceptions include injury, illness, late arrival, early departure and other exceptional circumstances. 


Coach for the age and stage. Use activities and expectations suited to your players. Keep explanations clear and learning active.


Encourage decisions. Guide players without controlling every action. Allow mistakes and help them learn from the next attempt.


Model respect. Treat players, families, opponents and referees with dignity, including when a game is difficult or a decision goes against you.


Communicate clearly. Use PlayMetrics and approved channels to share plans, changes and expectations. Address concerns privately and constructively.


Follow the rules and ask for help. Apply the published soccer rules, club policies and player-safety requirements. Raise concerns through the appropriate route.

coach FAQS

  • Do I need to be a soccer expert?

    No! A positive approach, reliability and willingness to learn are the most important qualities in a Hawks coach.  Contact coach support to discuss the best starting point for you.

  • Can I coach my child’s team?

    Yes, of course!  Please be sure to include your child’s name in your registration.

  • Can I choose a practice night or share the role?

    You can absolutely select a preference for day and time of practice during the registration process.  Slots are assigned on a first come first served basis subject to availability.  Whilst we will make every effort to accommodate that preference practices are limited by field availability and may not always be possible.

  • What if I cannot attend a practice or game?

    Notify the Soccer Director via PlayMetrics as early as possible and follow the approved cover process. Do not ask an unapproved adult to take over coaching duties without league approval.