Curious about high school soccer jobs in California

I'm a high school student in California, and I'm super interested in soccer coaching. What kind of paths should I take if I want a coaching job at a high school level in California in the future?

There are a several key steps you can take towards accomplishing your goal of becoming a high school soccer coach in California:

1. Gain Experience: The first step is to gain as much experience in soccer as you can. This can be through playing on high school or club teams or even volunteering at local soccer camps or clinics. Demonstrating a high level of skill and understanding in soccer is crucial for coaching.

2. Obtain Certification: You'll need to get certified to coach at the high school level. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) requires all high school coaches to be certified, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteers. As part of this process, you'll need to complete a coaching education program (such as the one provided by the NFHS) and be certified in first aid and CPR.

3. Get a Bachelor’s Degree: At many schools, a bachelor's degree is required for coaching positions. While not always mandatory, having a degree can give you an edge over other applicants. It doesn't have to be in sports science or physical education, but those could provide useful knowledge.

4. Start as an Assistant Coach: A great way to get your foot in the door is to start as an assistant coach. This allows you to learn from more experienced coaches and get exposed to the ins and outs of managing a soccer team.

5. Volunteer or Intern: Volunteering or interning for a soccer team can provide real-world experience and create networking opportunities for future job prospects.

6. Network: Make connections in the soccer or sports community in general. Attending seminars or coaching clinics can introduce you to influential figures in the field.

Remember, each journey is unique. Continue to nurture your passion for the sport and coaching, as this will shine through in everything you do and open doors towards achieving your coaching goals.