Coach Licenses

Adult License

The purpose of the Adult License is to train amateur coaches and team administrators in current coaching methodology, team administration and player preparation for all levels of Adult soccer. These coaching and team administration seminars will provide United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) coaches and team administrators the opportunity to discuss and be exposed to relevant topics targeted for their individual teams and club needs.

Participants completing all two levels will receive U.S. Adult Coaching Licensing through the U.S. Soccer Federation. For additional information on these courses, please visit www.usasa.com.

Upon successful completion of both the new Level I and Level II courses, a coach may apply to attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license course following a mandatory one-year active youth coaching period. The applicant must submit proof of coaching youth age players.

National Youth License

The National Youth License focuses upon the nature of children and the adjustments adults must make to coach them. The course curriculum covers the ages of 4-12 year olds. Each day of the course, the focus is upon one of the traditional soccer age groups of U-6, U-8, U-10 or U-12. The course combines both classroom (theory) and field (practical) sessions and concludes with written, oral and practical examinations.

The National Youth License course is six days in length, sometimes being held over two weekends rather than six days in a row. It is ideal for anyone hoping to become a better and more effective coach.

The National Youth License is administered and instructed by U.S. Youth Soccer. For additional information on the National Youth License, please click here.

ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates must be 18 years old and hold a National “D” License or have the approval of the State Director of Coaching.

COURSE SCHEDULE

National Goalkeeping License

DESCRIPTION:

The U.S. Soccer National Goalkeeping License is targeted towards the more experienced team coach who has never played the goalkeeper position. The license will develop their goalkeeping knowledge at the youth, collegiate, senior, and professional levels. It will cover the principles and the components that go into developing goalkeepers and it will encourage the team coach to prepare and plan for the goalkeepers development needs not just daily but over an entire season.

Designed as a compliment to the U.S. Soccer National “A”, “B” License courses, the eight-day course includes field and classroom sessions and concludes with intensive testing on
theoretical and practical applications of the game. The course also includes valuable instruction in coaching methodology, team management and fitness.

The National Goalkeeping License course will instruct coaches how to plan and manage their goalkeeper’s development over the season at a high level. The course features in-depth coverage of the Principles of Goalkeeping: technical, tactical, psychological and fitness components of the goalkeeper. Featuring lectures and field sessions, combined with audio and visual technology, the course is a comprehensive, interactive learning experience.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must hold the following pre-requisites to apply:

1. U.S. Soccer National “A” License or,
2. U.S. Soccer National “B” License
3. A foreign goalkeeping license of equivalence; to be reviewed by the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department.

Click here for additional information on applying for a waiver.

Upon completion, National “A” License coaches will receive eight (8) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attendance at the eight-day course.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pre-Course:

• The National Goalkeeping License course is an eight-day program and the physical and mental demands of the course are great. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the sessions in order to maximize learning. Therefore, attention should be given by each candidate to arrive at the course in good physical condition.
• Each candidate is required to complete a homework assignment prior to the start of the course. This assignment is an integral part of the course and must be successfully completed to pass the National Goalkeeping License.

During the Course:

• The Goalkeeping License course consists of approximately 30 classroom session hours and 40 field sessions hours.
• Lectures rely heavily on the use of video analysis of game situations and footage. Candidates spend time breaking down the principles of play and the various systems by watching and playing in games.
• Great attention is given to the candidate’s ability to read and understand the game accurately and to be able to transfer that understanding to their players.
• U.S. National Instructional Staff conduct realistic training sessions throughout the course using methodology recognized and used by U.S. Soccer.
• Candidates will be given opportunities to run practice coaching sessions and provided feedback from U.S. National Instructional Staff.
• Candidates will learn how to properly step in at the right time to make coaching points during training sessions and in 11v11 game situations.
• Candidates are tested on their ability to articulate their ideas effectively and affect positive change on those people who they are managing.
• Candidates are responsible for reading the FIFA Laws of the Game Booklet and completing the corresponding written examination.

Post-Course:

• Candidates are encouraged to be an ambassador for the game, to treat the game, and those involved with the game with respect and dignity.

Recommendations Prior to Attending:

• Spend time watching and analyzing high level senior games (ex: Advanced Under-17 teams and higher).
• Observe training sessions put on by coaches of high level college programs and professional teams.

COURSE CURRICULUM:

The course curriculum for the National Goalkeeping License course is based on modern methods of coaching soccer and providing candidates with an understanding of the goalkeeper position. The curriculum is divided into Theoretical and Practical areas of coaching.

Theoretical

• Laws of the Game
• Seminar
• Goalkeeper Psychology
• Methods of Coaching
• Set Plays
• Fitness
• Video Analysis
• Integration of the Goalkeeper into the team
• Tutorial

Practical

• Shot Stopping
• Distribution
• Crossing
• Through Balls
• Set Plays
• Fitness
• Integration of the Goalkeeper into the team

ASSESSMENT:

Candidates undergo a challenging series of written, oral and practical examinations on a variety of subjects in the National Goalkeeping License course.

• FIFA Laws of the Game Examination
• Oral Examination
• Field Examination

Grading Policies
The National Goalkeeping License is a non-expiring license. Candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (outstanding) to 5 (fail), candidates must receive passing grades in all test areas in order to receive a license. A single failing score in a theoretical subject qualifies for a retest in that subject, which may be conducted at the end of the respective course. A single failing score in either a methodology subject will result in a failing grade. There is no retesting for practical field sessions. Candidates are not graded upon playing ability, but are required to fully participate

COURSE SCHEDULE

NATIONAL “E” LICENSE INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION
U.S. Soccer Coaching certification begins at the state level. The National “E” license is an 18-hour course, which covers the elementary principles of coaching and prepares interested coaches for the “D” license course.

The National “E” course is only administered and instructed by State Soccer Associations. Please contact your State Association for more information on these courses and course schedules.

What are the key components of the “E” license course?

• Develop the core coaching competencies necessary to effectively teach the 9-12 year old athlete and team.
• Understand the characteristics and needs of an athlete in the Basic Stage of U.S. Soccer’s Long Term Athlete Development Model.
• Establish a foundation of knowledge and experience in order to proceed through the sequence of coaching development courses.

What are the specific target outcomes of the course?

• Understand and effectively apply the principles of Long Term Athlete Development.
• Demonstrate competency in planning an age-appropriate training session.
• Demonstrate the essential competencies to execute a team training session that is focused on a technical function of the game.
• Understand concepts and recognize the principles of attacking and defending in a small-sided game environment (3v3 to 9v9 adaptable to local competition structure).

“E” License Candidate Guidebooks

• Download – “E” License Candidate Guidebook – English
• 2014 Version Available Soon – “E” License Candidate Guidebook – Spanish
• Download – “E” License Goalkeeping Guidebook – English
• 2014 Version Available Soon – “E” License Goalkeeping Guidebook – Spanish

*The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.

U.S. Soccer Curriculum
Learn more about the U.S. Soccer Curriculum – More Info

Pre-Course Candidate Assignments
Candidates are required to complete pre-course assignments. Candidates must complete two (2) Laws of the Game assignments and a Concussion Awareness course. In addition, candidates must choose to complete two team management assignments. Each assignment must be submitted during the opening lecture.

1.	Laws of the Game Part A – Complete the U.S. Soccer Referee exam (“E” License candidates are required to complete modules 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17) Candidates are not required to print a completion certificate. Your exam results will be automatically shared with your State Soccer Association host and U.S. Soccer. Part B – Research and write a brief report on the rationale of modified small-sided games rules. Contact your local League or soccer organization to locate the modified rules of play for the team that you coach. Read and review the modifications for the following FIFA Rules: 1 Field, 2 Ball, 3 Players, 5 Referee, 6 Assistant Referee, and 7 Duration of Game.A Spanish version of the Laws of the Game will be available in 2013. More details will be available soon.
2.	Team Management – English (.pdf) | Spanish (Coming Soon)
3.	Risk Management Assignment – Concussion Awareness – English (online): Script | Quiz * Candidates are required to print a completion certificate and submit during the opening lecture.If you are experiencing difficulties accessing the online concussion assignment, you may request a CD-ROM version of the course from the CDC at no cost. If you would like to order a copy of the course on CD-ROM, visit the CDC publication order form. You may also contact ncipcdirinfo@cdc.gov or print and use the written test below. – Concussion Awareness – Spanish: Script | Quiz

Candidate Resources

• English (.pdf) | Spanish (Available Soon)

FAQs

• “E” License FAQ’s

Candidate Feedback

• “E” License Survey

NATIONAL “D” LICENSE INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION
The National “D” license is a 36 to 40-hour course designed for the experienced coach who has already earned a National “E” license. The focus of this course is to improve a coaches ability to positively influence individual players and teams.

The National “D” course is only administered and instructed by State Soccer Associations. Please contact your State Association for more information on these courses and course schedules.

What are the key components of the “D” license course?

• Develop the core coaching competencies necessary to effectively teach the 13-14 year old athlete and team.
• Understand the characteristics and needs of an athlete in the Intermediate Stage of U.S. Soccer’s Athlete Development Model.
• Build on the foundation of knowledge and experience in order to proceed through the sequence of coaching development courses.

What are the specific target outcomes of the course?

• Teach the Principles of Play in a training environment. (7v7 to 9v9).
• Apply the Principles of Play to functional group roles in a full team system.
• Plan a sequence of training and weekly cycles to complete a season plan.

The “D” license course is broken into four phases:

I.  Preparation Phase

• Candidates are required to complete five (5) assigned training sessions (see session topics below).

II.  Instructional Phase (14 to 18 hrs.)

• Candidates meet face-to-face with instructors at a course.

III.  Deliberate Practice Phase

• Candidates are required to complete five (5) assigned training sessions over a minimum of 10 weeks. It is expected that the sessions be evenly distributed through the 10 week period.
• Candidates will be assigned the training sessions during the Instructional phase.

IV.  Performance Review Phase (14 to 18 hrs.)

• Final on-field exam.
• Candidates have one full year following the completion of the deliberate practice phase to attend any performance review phase to complete the “D” course.

Course Assignment

• Candidates are required to view an online presentation and complete a series of questions on Concussion Awareness. The assignment must be completed prior to the candidate receiving their final course results.
• Visit this link to complete the online assignment.
• Candidates are not required to print a certificate of completion.
• A report will be automatically sent to U.S. Soccer and the State Association host upon completion.

“D” License Candidate Guidebooks

• Download – “D” License Candidate Guidebook – English
• Download – “D” License Candidate Guidebook – Spanish
• Download – “D” License Goalkeeping Guidebook – English
• Download – “D” License Goalkeeping Guidebook – Spanish

*The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.

U.S. Soccer Curriculum

• Learn more about the U.S. Soccer Curriculum – More Info

Candidate Resources

• Daily Schedule – sample – English (.pdf) | Spanish (.pdf)
• Lesson Plan – English (.pdf) | Spanish (.pdf)
• Candidate Topics and Themes – English (.pdf) | Spanish (.pdf)

FAQs

• “D” License FAQ’s

Candidate Feedback

• “D” License Survey

National “C”

DESCRIPTION

The National “C” License course is designed to introduce concepts that are targeted toward coaching players ages 15-18. The course focus is on getting coaches to think about, discuss, and recognize the recurring concepts or themes that exist in soccer. Candidates will be challenged to find ways to offer constructive guidance to players while also allowing players to experience the game for themselves.

A primary emphasis in the National “C” License course is the close relationship between technique and tactics. In this course, technique and tactics will be addressed together. In practice field sessions and the final field exam, the candidate is required to address the impact that technique has on tactics.

Three (3) General Goals of the National “C” License Course:

1. To prepare coaches to better recognize problems and solutions as they occur in the run of play and to communicate this information to their players,
2. To create rich soccer environments that allow players to grow, and
3. To provide a foundation for any coach wishing to pursue higher levels within U.S. Soccer’s Coaching Education Program.

The National “C” License course will also provide a foundation in the following areas: tactics, technique, methods of coaching and issues in youth player development, some of which have been introduced in the “D” License course, and will be expanded upon in the National “B” and National “A” License courses. These include but are not limited to the following objectives:

• Observe and identify the technical and tactical demands of the game.
• Focus on the application of technique and small group tactics in games up to 9v9 to big goals.
• Organize, develop and implement appropriate training sessions to correct and reinforce the demands of the game.
• Recognize soccer problems and offer appropriate technical and tactical guidance to the players.
• Develop a better understanding of the responsibilities of coaching.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have held the National “D” License for a minimum of 12 months (attach a copy to application).

National “D” License certification may be waived ONLY under one of the following conditions:

1. Applicant received the NSCAA National Diploma and has held it for a minimum of 12 months.
2. Applicant has three (3) years of coaching experience (any level) AND three (3) years playing experience with a Senior National Team or three (3) years of FIFA recognized professional playing experience.
3. A foreign license of equivalence; to be reviewed by the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department.

Click here for additional information on applying for a waiver.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pre-Course:

• The National “C” License course is a nine-day program and the physical and mental demands of the course are great. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the sessions in order to maximize learning. Therefore, attention should be given by each candidate to arrive at the course in good physical condition.
• Each National “C” License candidate is responsible for completing pre-course assignments. The purpose of these assignments is to better prepare the candidate for what is expected of them at the course. The assignments will be emailed approximately 30-days prior to the course.
• Pre-course reading material is expected to be completed prior to arrival to the course. U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices for Coaching in the United States manual and U.S. Soccer’s Curriculum are available online and candidates should become comfortable with the information.

Pre-Course Materials:

• Methods of Coaching
• The 4v4 to 11v11 Progression
• Candidate Guidelines for Evaluating Soccer
• Training Session Form
• Lesson Plan Form

During the Course:

• The National “C” License course consists of approximately 25 classroom hours and 45 field sessions hours.
• Classroom sessions involve active candidate participation and use game and training videos as a learning tool.
• U.S. National Instructional Staff conduct realistic training sessions throughout the course using methodology recognized and used by U.S. Soccer.
• Candidates are given opportunities to run two training sessions which progress from a warm-up to a 9v9 model. Feedback is provided from U.S. National Instructional Staff.
• Candidates will learn how to properly step in at the right time to make coaching points during training sessions and in 9v9 game situations.
• Candidates are expected to be able to teach technique and how it is applied in a game environment. They should also have small group tactical ideas learned in the U.S. Soccer “D” License course.
• Candidates are responsible for reading the FIFA Laws of the Game Booklet and completing the corresponding written examination.
• Technical interview questions will be given during the course.

Post-Course:

• Candidates are encouraged to be an ambassador for the game, to treat the game, and those involved with the game with respect and dignity.

Recommendations Prior to Attending:

• Candidate has experience coaching 11 – 14 year old players.
• Candidates run training sessions prior to the course. It is highly recommended that candidates have their training session(s) evaluated by the club technical director with feedback provided.
• Become familiar with U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices for Coaching in the United States.
• Candidates become comfortable with U.S. Soccer’s The Progression from 4v4 to 11v11document.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the National “C” course is based upon modern methods of coaching soccer and provides candidates with an understanding of the methodology used in all national coaching courses offered by U.S. Soccer. The curriculum is divided into Theory and Practical areas of coaching.

Theory

• Reading the Game
• Methods of Coaching
• Model Training Session
• Tactics
• Player Development
• Applied Psychology
• Team Management
• Care & Prevention
• Laws of the Game

Practical

• Warm Up & Cool Down
• Possession & Penetration
• Defending
• Combination Play
• Finishing
• Goalkeeper
• Defending vs. Wide Play
• Creating Width in the Attack
• Instructor Session
• 9v9 Attacking and Defending

ASSESSEMENT

Candidates undergo a challenging series of written, oral and practical examinations on a variety of subjects in the National “C” License course.

• Field Examination
• Team Management Examination
• Care & Prevention Examination
• Oral Examination
• FIFA Laws of the Game Examination

The National “C” License is a non-expiring license. As of January 2006, “C” License candidates are graded either “Pass” or “Not Ready” for all components of the course. In order to be awarded the National “C” License, the candidate must receive a grade of “Pass” in all theoretical and field testing areas. Candidates are not graded upon playing ability, but are required to fully participate.

If a candidate receives a “Not Ready” in only one theoretical subject (written or oral) they qualify for an immediate, on-site retest on that subject. However, if a candidate scores “Not Ready” in any of the following three areas, the candidate must then wait a minimum of six months before they are eligible to re-take the field examination at a regional re-test site.

1. Both oral examinations,
2. One or more practical field examination(s),
3. Two or more written subjects.

*Retest guidelines apply only to “C” License candidates starting January 2006. Candidates prior to January 2006 must retake the National “C” License course and are not eligible to retest.

If an applicant misses any of the course sessions, they must return to a future school to participate in that session/lecture, even if the candidate has passed all of the testing areas. License will be withheld until this requirement is fulfilled.

Waiting Period: Upon successful completion of the National “C” License course; there is a mandatory waiting period of one (1) year before a coach is eligible to enroll in the National “B” License course.

COURSE SCHEDULE

National “B”

DESCRIPTION

The National “B” License Course is designed to introduce concepts that are targeting toward coaching players age 16 to college level. The National “B” License focuses on recognizing the principles of the game and its technical applications in 9v9 game situations. Candidates will learn to teach and implement these principles through functional training sessions leading up to the 9v9 game. The course will help candidates get a better understanding of the responsibilities of coaching at advanced levels and will prepare those coaches who wish to pursue the National “A” License.

Key Elements of the National “B” License course:

• Help coaches to observe and identify tactical and technical breakdowns in game situations.
• Learn to develop and implement appropriate training sessions to meet the demands of the game.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and have held the National “C” License for a minimum of 12 months.

National “C” License requirement may be waived ONLY under one of the following conditions:

1. 1. Applicant earned the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and has held it for a minimum of 12 months.
   2. Applicant has five (5) years of coaching experience (any level) on AND five (5) years of playing experience with a Senior National Team or five (5) years of FIFA recognized professional playing experience.
   3. A foreign license of equivalence; to be reviewed by the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department.

Click here for additional information on applying for a waiver.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pre-Course:

• The National “B” License course is a nine-day program and the physical and mental demands of the course are great. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the sessions in order to maximize learning. Therefore, attention should be given by each candidate to arrive at the course in good physical condition.
• Pre-course reading material is expected to be completed prior to arrival to the course. U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices for Coaching in the United States manual is available online and candidates should become comfortable with the information.

During the Course:

• The National “B” License course consists of approximately 20 classroom hours and 48 field sessions hours.
• Classroom sessions involve active candidate participation and use game and training video as a learning tool.
• Assist candidates in how to observe and scout a game with the purpose of analyzing the opponent, as well as analyzing one’s own team.
• Assist candidates in how to work with individuals / small groups and be able to put all components together in a game situation.
• U.S. National Instructional Staff conduct realistic training sessions throughout the course using methodology recognized and used by U.S. Soccer.
• Candidates are given opportunities to run two practice coaching sessions and provided feedback from U.S. National Instructional Staff.
• Candidates will learn how to properly step in at the right time to make coaching points during training sessions and in 9v9 game situations.
• Candidates are responsible for reading the FIFA Laws of the Game Booklet and completing the corresponding written examination.
• Candidates will be given two oral exam questions, one on Tactics and one on Methodology. A passing grade in both questions must be received in order to pass the course.

Post-Course:

• Candidates are encouraged to be an ambassador for the game, to treat the game, and those involved with the game with respect and dignity.

Recommendations Prior to Attending:

• Candidate has experience coaching players age 16 to college level.
• Review National “C” License course materials.
• Know the principles of defense and attack and have a good understanding of their application in the context of the game.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the National “B” License course is based upon modern methods of coaching soccer. The curriculum is divided into Theory and Practical areas of coaching.

Theory

• Analyzing the Opponent
• Methods of Coaching
• Game Analysis and Model Training Session Review
• Tactics
• Psychology
• Goalkeeping the Modern Game

Practical

• Finishing
• Goalkeeping
• Changing Point of Attack
• Playing out of the Back
• Training the Playmaker
• Middle 1/3 to Attacking 1/3
• Playing in the Attacking 1/3
• Zonal Defending in the Back
• Midfield Defending
• 9:9 to 11:11
• Fitness
• Observation Topics
• Game for Analysis
• Model Training Session
• Attacking from the Flank

ASSESSMENT

Candidates undergo a challenging series of written, oral and practical examinations on a variety of subjects in the National “B” License course.

• Field Examination
• Psychology/Team Management Examination
• Anatomy & Physiology Examination
• Oral Examination
• FIFA Laws of the Game Examination

The National “B” License is a non-expiring license. Candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (high) to 5 (fail), candidates must receive passing scores in all test areas in order to become licensed. A single failing score in a theoretical subject qualifies for a re-test in that subject. All re-tests will take place at the conclusion of the course. A single failing score in either of the methodology subjects will result in a failing grade for the course with no re-testing. If a candidate is found deficient in only Game Awareness, they may still pass the course. Candidates are not graded upon playing ability, but are required to fully participate.

If an applicant misses any of the course sessions, they must return to a future school to participate in that session/lecture, even if the candidate has passed all of the testing areas. License will be withheld until this requirement is fulfilled.

Waiting Period: Upon successful completion of the National “B” License course; there is a mandatory waiting period of one (1) to three (3) years before a coach is eligible to enroll in the National “A” License course.

COURSE SCHEDULE

National “A”

DESCRIPTION

The National “A” License course is designed to introduce concepts that are targeted toward coaching older players (older junior level and senior level players). The National “A” License focuses on recognizing the principles of the game and its technical applications in 11v11 game format and how these principles influence positional, group and team organization. The course also examines player, team and game management issues as they relate to the senior level player.

Key Elements of the National “A” License Course:

• Candidates are encouraged to understand the “Four Pillars of the Game” (Technical, Tactical, Psychological & Physical) and to devise plans for and effectively improve those areas with their team
• Candidates are encouraged to explore the variety of methodologies open to them and to solve coaching problems in the 11v11 game format. This varies in task from team management, game management, and practice management issues.
• Much attention is given to breaking down the principles of play and the various systems by watching games played (video analysis) and playing in the games themselves.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have held the National “B” License for a minimum of 12 months, and meets the 3.2 rule requirement.

Absolutely no waivers will be considered for entrance into the National “A” License course.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pre-Course:

• The National “A” License course is a nine-day program and the physical and mental demands of the course are great. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the sessions in order to maximize learning. Therefore, attention should be given by each candidate to arrive at the course in good physical condition.
• Each candidate is required to research and write a paper prior to the start of the course. This assignment is an integral part of the course and must be successfully completed to pass the National “A” License.
• Pre-course reading material is expected to be completed prior to arrival to the course. U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices for Coaching in the United States manual is available online and candidates should become comfortable with the information.

During the Course:

• The National “A” License course consists of approximately 30 classroom hours and 40 field sessions hours.
• Lectures rely heavily on the use of video analysis of game situations and footage. Candidates spend time breaking down the principles of play and the various systems by watching games played and playing in games themselves.
• Great attention is given to the candidate’s ability to read and understand the game accurately and to be able to transfer that understanding to their players.
• U.S. National Instructional Staff conduct realistic training sessions throughout the course using methodology recognized and used by U.S. Soccer.
• Candidates are given opportunities to run practice coaching sessions and provided feedback from U.S. National Instructional Staff.
• Candidates will learn how to properly step in at the right time to make coaching points during training sessions and in 11v11 game situations.
• Candidates are tested on their ability to articulate their ideas effectively and affect positive change on those people who they are managing.
• Candidates are responsible for reading the FIFA Laws of the Game Booklet and completing the corresponding written examination.

Post-Course:

• Candidates are encouraged to be an ambassador for the game, to treat the game, and those involved with the game with respect and dignity.

Recommendations Prior to Attending:

• Candidate has experience coaching older players (older junior level and senior level players).
• Review National “B” License course materials.
• Spend time watching and analyzing high level senior games (ex: Advanced Under-17 teams and higher).
• Observe training sessions put on by coaches of high level college programs and professional teams.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the National “A” License course is based upon modern methods of coaching soccer. The curriculum is divided into Theory and Practical areas of coaching.

Theory

• Reading the Game
• Methods of Coaching
• Video Analysis
• Game Analysis and Model Training Session Review
• Tactics
• Psychology
• Goalkeeping in the Modern Game
• Fitness
• Systems of Play and Restarts
• Laws of the Game

Practical

• 11v11 Review
• Finishing
• Technical/Tactical Functional Training
• Speed of Play
• Pressing
• Low Pressure
• Counter Attack
• Zonal Defending
• Off Sides Tactics
• Fitness
• Systems and Restarts
• Observation Topics
• Game for Analysis
• Model Training Session

ASSESSMENT

Candidates undergo a challenging series of written, oral and practical examinations on a variety of subjects in the National “A” License course.

• Field Examination
• Psychology/Team Management Examination
• Physiology of Exercise Examination
• Oral Examination
• FIFA Laws of the Game Examination

National “A” License candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (high) to 5 (fail), candidates must receive passing scores in all test areas in order to become licensed. A single failing score in a theoretical subject qualifies for a re-test in that subject. All re-tests will take place at the conclusion of the course. A single failing score in either of the methodology subjects will result in a failing grade for the course with no re-testing. If a candidate is found deficient in only Game Awareness, they may still pass the course. Candidates are not graded upon playing ability, but are required to fully participate.

If an applicant misses any of the course sessions, they must return to a future school to participate in that session/lecture, even if the candidate has passed all of the testing areas. License will be withheld until this requirement is fulfilled. 

 

More information can be found on USSOCCER.COM