Ultrain Explained: 5 Things You May Not Know About Coaching Licenses

While the U.S. leads the world in youth soccer participation, it is still finding its way in the coaching strategy universe. In a tough spot being newer to the worldly game, the US Soccer Federation often attempts to mimic other successful countries’ tactics in a flavor-of-the-week style. The education courses are tough, expensive and long-houred, but the federation continues to find ways to improve their course pathway and stay competitive.

In 1998, the UEFA Coaching Convention set the standard for coaching across Europe. The coaching program also holds conferences for men’s national team coaches, women’s national teams, and elite clubs. A few other countries hold their own diploma courses, but transferring from one continent to another is not so simple. But for example, the Asian Football Confederation considers their AFC Pro-Diploma equivalent to the UEFA Pro License.

1. ???? U.S. Soccer’s transition to their newest Coaching Pathway occurred in 2018 when they replaced the E and F licenses with the Grassroots Pathway. The Grassroots Licensing Course starts with a free online module, followed by in-person and online coaching courses. Coaches will have choices of which courses to complete that are relevant to their needs.For the 8 Grassroots License options, 4 online and 4 in-person, you have access to the small-sided and younger age groups in a 4v4, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 fashion. A minimum of three courses (two in-person, and one online) are required to move forward in the License Pathway to the D Course.
2. ?? In 2021, UEFA reported that more than 200,000 people across Europe possess a UEFA coaching license from Grassroots to Professional. UEFA has a Grassroots C Diploma, a B, A, and Pro. They also house specialty licenses for youth, elite youth, futsal and goalkeeping. A UEFA license is valid for 3 years.
3. ??Though the US attempted a USSF Goalkeeping A License course in 2018, GK courses are now offered through United Soccer Coaches instead. You can find information through USC online.
4. ?? You cannot do any UEFA licensing online for out-of-the-country purposes, it must be done in person. You can manipulate the pathway a bit—if you’re in Europe—by taking courses through a specific FA, but you must be fluent in the language of the country you’re taking.
5. ??? Between courses of any country's federation, you are often expected to have a few months' experience in between each one, especially as you get higher up the ladder. We would recommend looking at the next two tiers of diplomas above your current placement to see the requirements needed for a better outlook on planning and managing. Best case scenario is to try for a license whilst coaching at the same time so you can try out your tactics, film your sessions, and showcase your ability to run training and hit your checkpoints.