Practice is an integral part of the game. It allows players fellowship, time to fine tune and learn new skills, as well as help prevent injuries during games. Practices should be scheduled for a weekday, but may be held on weekends at the discretion of the coach. Practice fields will be assigned by lottery at the Coaches Meeting. If two practice times are available, the second time is awarded in reverse order. Coaches are responsible for informing the team, parents and players of practice time(s) and location.

Review the fields at Andy Brown Central and Wagon Wheel for assigned practice fields designated in red. Practice is not allowed on game fields at any time as provided by a City of Coppell Ordinance.

Equipment
 Here is a list of recommended coaching aids:

» Cones-available in all sizes. It is good to also have the flat discs as well or plastic lids to mark off lines.
» Portable goals. 4 larger traffic cones serve well for goals. Corner flags can be placed through the middle of the cones for height.
» Pinnies or training bibs will help to distinguish teams.
» Soccer balls. Make sure everyone of your players brings a ball to every practice. Count on bringing a few extras yourself.

Skills Coaches/ Sessions
To provide continuing education to volunteer coaches, the CYSA contracts professional coaches each year to conduct skills practices for all players. Coaches are encouraged to attend skills sessions to observe and learn. Skills sessions are Wednesday/Friday nights and are run by Challenger Sports. As of January 2015, the CYSA also employs a professional Director of Coaching (DOC) through Challenger Sports. The DOC's main job is to support our volunteer coaches by instructing them on how to run an effective practice session and how to deal with any team performance issues that come up. The DOC will be on site at practice fields between 5-9pm each night of the week during the season. Please contact the CYSA office for more information. Registration link is located on the home page of the website.

Make sure your kids bring water to all practices and remember to always wear your shin guards.

Practice Field Allocation Policy

Coaches select their first practice field/time slot by lottery at the current season's Coaches Meeting. Coaches that head coach 2 or more teams go through a separate lottery system first for their first field per team. After all coaches have made their first selection at the meeting, then all coaches will have an opportunity to select an additional practice field/time slot per team in which they are head coach. U9 and older teams may pick from allotted fields at Wagon Wheel/ABW and U8 and younger may pick from allotted fields at Andy Brown West. Coaches must go to the CYSA office in person to request fields if they missed the coach meeting or to make any changes to field selections after the coaches meeting.
Non-CYSA teams may access leftover available fields. Please see Non-CYSA Team practice field guidelines under forms.