How to Get a Soccer Coach License?
Whether you are a former player, parent, or simply someone with a deep passion for soccer, getting a soccer coach license is an essential step towards a rewarding coaching career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a soccer coach license, including the different courses and requirements for each level of certification. So, let’s dive into the world of soccer coaching and explore how to get a soccer coach license.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Coaching License Pathway
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) offers a series of courses tailored to the specific needs of a coach at every stage of their journey. The Coaching License Pathway consists of various courses, ranging from Grassroots to Professional levels. These courses provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires to succeed in their chosen field.
Starting Your Coaching Journey
Every aspiring soccer coach begins their journey with the free, 20-minute Introduction to Grassroots Coaching online course. This introductory course serves as the gateway to the Grassroots Pathway and lays the foundation for your success as a soccer coach. After completing the introduction, you are free to choose any of the grassroots courses that meet your needs, whether you are just getting started or coaching 11v11 teams.
Grassroots Pathway
The Grassroots Pathway includes 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 courses, offered both online and in-person. However, in order to advance to the next stage of licensing, the 11v11 and one other grassroots course must be taken in person. For coaches already holding an old F license, taking the online introduction to grassroots coaching, one of the small-sided courses, and the 11v11 course in-person are required to advance to the next level.
D License: Preparing for Team Coaching
The D License is designed to prepare coaches to lead teams from U6 to U19 in a participation environment. The level of play associated with this license ranges from beginner to intermediate, with the expectation of coaching an active team with 1-2 training sessions per week. To qualify for the D License, coaches must complete at least two grassroots in-person courses, one of which must be the 11v11 course, and an online license.
D License Requirements
Candidates for the D License take two in-person courses over two months, along with assignments and mentoring. The first class lasts three days, while the second is two days long. These classes may require travel, depending on your location. The D License focuses on training sessions for small-sided and full-sized drills, as well as the Six Tasks of a Coach:
- Coaching games
- Coaching training sessions
- Leading the team
- Leading the players
- Managing the performance environment
- Communicating with players and families
The cost of the D License ranges between 500, depending on the course provider.
C License: Advancing Your Coaching Skills
After holding the D License for a full year, you become eligible for the C License. This certification is designed to prepare coaches to work with U11-U19 teams, with a slightly higher level of commitment and skill. Coaches are expected to run 2-3 training sessions per week with more self-motivated athletes.
C License Requirements
To qualify for the C License, you must have held a D License for a minimum of 12 months and be currently coaching. The course involves two five-day classes, separated by six-to-eight weeks of assignments and mentoring. The C License teaches the core concepts of coaching and costs between 2,000.
B License: Focusing on Player and Team Development
Once you’ve held the C License for another full year and have at least three years of coaching experience, you are eligible to apply for the B License. This certification is designed for coaches looking to lead U13 or higher level teams in a competitive environment, with a more intermediate to advanced skill set.
B License Requirements
The B License course takes four to five months to complete and includes three five-day courses, separated by six-to-eight weeks of assignments and mentoring conducted with 11v11 teams. Coaches are required to run three training sessions per week and perform thorough video analysis throughout the process. The cost of the B License is $3,000.
A Youth License: Developing Youth Players in High-Performance Environments
After holding the B License for at least a full year, you become eligible to apply for the A Youth License. This certification’s primary purpose is to develop youth (U13-U19) players in high-performance environments. At this point, you will have at least four years of coaching experience and be involved with a competitive club or academy team, conducting at least four training sessions per week.
A Youth License Requirements
The A Youth License is a ten-month-long program. To obtain this certification, please refer to the additional requirements listed by the USSF.
A Senior License: Coaching Senior Level Teams
The A Senior License is geared towards coaches aiming to lead senior-level teams (19+ age group) with an elite pathway. Many players at this level will be looking to make it to the professional stage. You will need at least four training sessions per week with your team and be required to effectively show your expertise with the help of video and GPS technology.
A Senior License Requirements
To obtain the A Senior License, please follow the additional requirements provided by the USSF.
Pro License: The Pinnacle of Soccer Coaching
The Pro License is the final and most challenging license to earn, designed to prepare coaches for head coaching responsibilities at the highest levels of national and international professional soccer. After holding an A License for a full year, you must be a head or assistant coach at an MLS or NWSL club, a head coach for a USL or similar level club, or a head coach of a U17 or older national team.
Pro License Requirements
To obtain the Pro License, please refer to the final list of requirements listed by the USSF.
Coaching Youth Soccer in the United States
Coaching youth soccer in the United States can be a very rewarding experience for any motivated coach. The level of competition may vary depending on your location, but one thing is for sure – there are many passionate young players who want to learn and improve their skills. Be sure to stay up-to-date with changes in the licensing process and your local state-specific regulations, as requirements may change over time. Finally, remember that being a great coach isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being patient, positive, and supportive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a soccer coach license is a vital step for anyone looking to start or advance their coaching career. By understanding the different levels of certification and their respective requirements, you can effectively work towards your coaching goals. Stay committed, passionate, and engaged in the process, and you will undoubtedly find success as a soccer coach.