Coaching Licenses

Over the course of the past thirty years, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) established a series of licenses and courses to earn those licenses. These coaching licenses and their sequence is intended to provide an appropriate scaled approach to learning how to coach the game of soccer for the youngest youth level right through the most advanced play.

"F" Modules. This is the entry level course for youth coaches. The curriculum has recently been adjusted to train coaches in these age group modules: U6/U8, U8/U10, and U12. Each module is a five hour course. Emphasis is on understanding the developmental stages of the different age groups. Technique is the focus. Coaches receive instruction in coaching philosophy, injury care and prevention, and team management.

"E" License. This course is geared toward 12-16 year old players. This is the first step for serious coaches. Technique is again of central importance, however, the basics of tactics are introduced in small increments of 1-3 players. Philosophical, injury, and management issues are covered in more detail. The primary benefit of this course is the clear presentation of a coaching methodology. Understanding how to teach material to players significantly increases a coaches effectiveness. This is an 18 hour course. 

"D" License. This is the highest state level course. It is designed for players 15 years old and older. Advanced technique and group tactics of 3-6 players are the core of the course. Further development of coaching methodology, with an elaboration of structuring sequenced training sessions around a single theme, are key elements. Team management, Laws of the game, match analysis, and injury issues are covered in depth. Candidates are tested in both classroom and field work. NEW: The 32-hour course is still two weekends (Friday-Sunday) however they are now split between 8-10 weeks. This will allow for candidates to go back to their home clubs and test/experiment with the first weekend's material. After 8-10 weeks candidates will return for thesecond weekend which will include on-field and classroom testing. 

The "F" modules and the "E" and "D" licenses are offered through the various state associations. In our case this is VYSA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association). A variety of Virginia clubs host these courses.  If interested in obtaining a license  

"C" License. This is the first national level license. Major points of emphasis are: technical refinement, group tactics (3-7 players), principles of team play, match analysis, and a thorough understanding of the coaching progression. Fitness training, team management, scouting, and player psychology are also covered.

"B" License. The focus in this course is on large group tactics (6-9 players), specific functional training for individual players, and further developing earlier material in greater depth.

"A" License. The pinnancle of the USSF Coaching Education pyramid. Here the emphasis is on team tactics and strategy (8-11 players) along with advanced review of all previous topics.

The "C", "B", and "A" courses are National level licenses which are offered at various sites around the country. These are residential courses requiring a 10-14 day long stay.

Any FYSA coach interested in pursuing these licenses, or if you would like further information, contact the FYSA Office