Soccer Drills and Articles

Coaching Manuals   Soccer-Coach-L Compilations - Great Stuff! Aggressiveness Exercises Attacking Ball Control & Trapping Coaching Tips & Articles College Soccer Communication Exercises Conditioning & Strength Corner Kicks, Free Kicks, Throw-Ins, and Set Plays Crosses Defensive Exercises Dribbling & Shielding Dribbling Moves with Video Clips - NEW with Videos! Exercises of the Day by Gary Rue! Finishing & Shooting Drills Fitness and Nutrition Goalkeeping Heading Indoor Soccer Training Jeff Pill's Drills Ken's Favorite Drills Medical Articles Miscellaneous Soccer Articles Motivational and Psychological Movement Off the Ball Nutrition and Fitness Parents (Articles for Parents) Passing and Receiving Possession Penalty Kicks Practice Plans Psychological and Motivational Receiving and Passing Set Plays Shielding Shooting & Finishing Drills Soccer Terminology Sports Medicine Articles Strategy & Team Tactics Strength & Conditioning Tackling Tactics Throw-Ins, Corner Kicks, Free Kicks, and Set Plays Transition Trapping Try-Outs Warm-Ups Young Player Drills

"They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them . . . you show them the reasons.  NFL Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi        "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."        To be a concert pianist, you need a tuxedo, a grand piano, a top notch agent, and many other things, but it's all a waste without technique. You have to be able to play piano. Similarly, you need knowledge of the game, tactics, etc., but it's all a waste if you can't control the ball. Technique, technique, technique. Unknown

Coaching Certification Clinics

Alabama State Coaching Courses - E and D Courses

"E" license coaches clinic NEW

 

To Alabama Youth Soccer Associations:      I am working on the Coaching Education Calendar schedule leading into the Fall season. This includes E's, D's, and YM's. We will be enforcing the minimum license requirements this year (see below) Coaches that need the Youth Module 2 will be able to register as pending - to allow time to take a YM2 - but it will be enforce in time for the Governor's Cup and coaches will need to have taken it or pay the 1 yr waiver of $25. We are going to have one free YM2 in each area of the state; however, if your association wants one specific to you - we will schedule that (cost $30 per coach). Contact me to schedule the YM1's (under 6 and under 8) courses as soon as you can. Last year we had over 400 coaches attend these in August and hopefully we can continue that number - it's a great course! Currently scheduled E's and D's and Free YM2's:   June 23-26th D Coaching Course - Mobile, AL July 28-31st D Coaching Course - Dothan AL August 5-7th E Coaching Course - Huntsville, AL August 5-7th E Coaching Course - Birmingham, AL August 5-7th, 13-14th D Coaching Course - Birmingham, AL August 5-7th, 13-14th D Coaching Course - Huntsville, AL Aug 20th FREE YM2 - Birmingham Aug 27th FREE YM2 - Huntsville Aug 27th FREE YM2 - Fairhope TBA FREE YM2 - Dothan TBA FREE YM2 - Montgomery         Call/ Email to schedule the Youth Module 1's! - Scott - 1-205-991-6694 or scott@alabamayouthsoccer.org       Ecourage your coaches to register early! More information is on the website: www.alabamayouthsoccer.org

Youth Module Coaching Courses
    Youth Module 1 and 2 course will be scheduled during the month of August 2005.  If your club or association would like to host a coaching course contact Scott Spencer at (205) 991-9779.

      CONTACT SCOTT SPENCER ASAP TO SCHEDULE A COURSE!
     Please send your application and payment to AYSA, 19220 Highway 280 W, Birmingham, AL 35242. If you have questions email: Scott Spencer, DOC at scott@alabamayouthsoccer.org or call Scott at 205-991-6694 or 205-370-4427 cell.  For information on the youth module coaching courses see www.alabamayouthsoccer.org

• Coaching License Waiver Form - This waiver is meant to provide coaches with a 1 year grace period to acquire the necessary license to comply with AYSA coaching license requirements. This completed form with a $25 fee is required prior to AYSA issuing a coach’s card and approval to coach AYSA sanctioned activities.
• Coaching Candidate Application - Application to take coaching courses
• Coaching Course Descriptions - a detailed description of each of the CEP courses and learning opportunities offered by AYS.

 

     Coaches not fulfilling the minimum license requirement will have to submit a license waiver form and a check for $25 made payable to AYSA. This waiver is good for one year and is NOT renewable. Coaches will have 1 year to acquire the minimum license and then will not be eligible to coach without it!

Minimum Requirements:
Division 1 - D license
Division 2 - E license
Division 3 - Youth Module 2

  
CONTACT SCOTT SPENCER ASAP TO SCHEDULE A COURSE! SCOTT@ALABAMAYOUTHSOCCER.ORG  OR 205-991-6694. Hosting form on website as well.

Information on the Youth Module courses is below:

U6- U8 soccer - Youth Module 1
U10 - U12 soccer - Youth Module 2
$30.00each

     All candidates must pre-register with AYS 10 days prior to the schedule start date of the course. If a minimum of 12 candidates is not pre-registered on time, the course may be cancelled. The maximum number of candidates will be determined by the size of the facility and the availability of instructors needed to maintain a good candidate to instructor ratio.
     These courses are specifically designed for the under 6, under 8, under 10 & under 12 age group players. The 4-hour courses combine both classroom and field sessions to illustrate age appropriate coaching/teaching techniques.

Topics covered:
l an introduction to coaching
l Philosophy of coaching in regard to the specific age group player
l Characteristics of the specific age group player
l Team Management & Administration
l Risk Management
l Care and Prevention of Soccer Injuries
l Modified laws of the game
l Developmentally and age appropriate Field Activities and Games


Prerequisites:

l An Open Mind and a desire to give the children the best soccer experience possible
l A Minimum age of 14 years old
l Candidates must attend all scheduled course sessions.
l Certification received: Age group specific State Module Certificate
l This includes a coach workbook, and USYSA curriculum.

Scott Spencer
Alabama Director of Coaching
205-370-4427 cell


 

Coaching Education Course Schedule

     Going into the Fall 2005 season, all Division 1, 2, and 3 coaches will be required to attain their license requirements or acquire a 1 year waiver (non-renewable after a year). Division 1 coaches need a D license. Division 2 coaches need a E license. Division 3 coaches at the U10 and older level need a Youth Module 2 certificate.

Check the AYSA website for updated scheduling at www.alabamayouthsoccer.org  under "coaching". Applications and information is on the website.

Current Coaching Education Schedule:

• USSF/NSCAA State GK Course Trussville, AL May 21
• USSF/NSCAA Regional GK Course Trussville, AL May 21-22
  
  Trussville Soccer Club is hosting NSCAA/USSF Goalkeeping Courses! Last year, we had the Goalkeeper State Course (GK 1) in Birmingham and it was a great success. These are great opportunities for the club coach to receive invaluable information on the training of goalkeepers and on incorporating them into your training sessions. I highly recommend these courses to all. For more information and registration, go to www.trussvillesoccer.org.
   
• E Course Dothan, AL May 20-22
• D Course Mobile, AL June 23-26
• D Course Dothan, AL July 23,24,28,29,30,31
• E Course Birmingham, AL (location TBA) Aug 5-7
• D Course Birmingham, AL (location TBA) Aug 5-7, 13-14
• E Course Huntsville, AL August - TBA
• "C" Coaching License Clinic - October 6-9 and 13-16th, Cost is  $550.00 - Jackson, Mississippi - Visit the MYSA website for more information. National D Coaches should consider this course.

USSF "A", "B", and "C" Coaching Courses
A list of the National Level A, B and C coaching courses is available here.

Alabama Youth Soccer Policies and Procedures


Coaching Requirements - Fall 2005

This is a reminder to all coaches that if you plan to coach a Division I, II or III team this fall you will need to be in compliance with AYSA’s minimum coaching license requirement.  These minimum requirements are as follows: 

            Division    Age Group  Minimum License Required

                 I           U13 & Older      USYSA “D” License
                 II          U11 & Older      USYSA “E” License
                 III        All Ages            Youth Module 2 (U10/12)

Coaches that do not meet these minimum requirements may apply for a 1-year waiver. This waiver is only good for 1 year (August 1 – July 31) and is nonrenewable.  If you obtained a waiver last fall and have not yet taken the coaching course to obtain your license you still have time. It is planned to offer all 3 of the required coaching courses in August. Exact location, date and time have yet to be determined. As soon as these courses are finalized they will be posted on the AYSA web site www.alabamayouthsoccer.org, click on Coaching and then on CEP Calendar.

Coaches who do not have the appropriate license or waiver will not be accepted as a coach of that team. If you have any questions, please contact the AYSA office on (205) 991-9779.

AYSA Coaching Requirements

All coaches in Alabama are required to have coaching certification. The required certification is based upon the age and the level of the players being coached. Below is a description of the requirement and the corresponding course that fulfills it.  Coaches not fulfilling the minimum license requirement will have to submit a license waiver form and a check for $25 made payable to AYSA. This waiver is good for one year and is NOT renewable. Coaches will have 1 year to acquire the minimum license and then will not be eligible to coach without it!  The Minimum License Waiver form is available here that you may pass on to any of your coaches.

Division IV – (In House Recreational):

Age of Players	Certification Required
Under 5 and Under 6	U6 Module
Under 7 and Under 8	U8 Module
Under 9 and Under 10	U10 Module
Under 11 and Up	U12 Module

 Division III – (Intermediate):

Age of Players	Certification Required
Under 9 and Under 10	U10 Module
Under 11 and Up	U12 Module

Division II – (Competitive):

Age of Players	Certification Required
Under 11 and Under 12	U12 Module
Under 13 and Up	State “E” License, State “D” License encouraged

Division I

Age of the Players	Certification Required
Under 13 and Up	State “D” license, National Licenses encouraged

*Note: A candidate must have held an ‘E’ certificate or equivalent for at least one year or have an ‘E’ course waiver prior to attending the state ‘D’ course.
 

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US Soccer National Coaching Schools

U.S. Soccer Announces Goalkeeping License for Coaches

U.S. Soccer Announces Goalkeeping License for Coaches

     While the U.S. has successful goalkeepers at international and top club levels around the world, there is still more work to be done developing the talent at this position at the lower levels. With this in mind, the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department has worked with goalkeeping coaches from around the nation to create the federations first-ever U.S. Soccer National Goalkeeper License for coaches.
     National Goalkeeping Coach & Staff Coach Peter Mellor and U.S. Womens National Team Goalkeeper Coach Phil Wheddon led the way in the development of the course for this license.
     We are excited that we can continue to increase the educational opportunities for our coaches, said U.S. Director of Youth Development and Under-17 Men's National Team head coach John Ellinger. We have put countless hours into developing this license, and this will benefit players and coaches as we continue to improve player development."
     The U.S. Soccer National Goalkeeper License is designed for the more experienced team coach who has never played the goalkeeper position. The license will develop their goalkeeping knowledge useful 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 A, B & C License courses, the seven-day school 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 course will instruct coaches how to plan and manage their goalkeepers development over the course of an entire season at a high level. It features in-depth coverage of the technical, tactical, psychological and fitness components of the goalkeeper position. Similar to other U.S. Soccer Coaching Courses, this course promises to be an interactive learning experience featuring field sessions, audio and video as well as traditional lectures.
     Applicants must hold the following pre-requisites:
USSF A License or, NSCAA Premier Diploma and a Goalkeeper level one diploma or, USSF B License or a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a Goalkeeper level one diploma or, USSF C License or a NSCAA National Diploma and a Goalkeeper level two diploma.
      Upon successful completion of the U.S. Soccer Goalkeeping License, attendees to this school with an A License will receive eight Continuing Education credits - the entire compliment needed to keep their license fresh.
      For more information, please contact the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at (312) 528-1219 or coaches@ussoccer.org 

NSCAA Coaching Clinics

NSCAA Coaching Courses:

Upcoming Non-Residential Courses - Find a Course Near You! New Coaching Education Courses are being added nearly every day, so keep checking http://www.NSCAA.com for the latest list.  If you don't see a course near you, contact the Regional Technical Director for your area.  A complete list can be found HERE.

NSCAA Offers Coaching Courses to Further Your Soccer Knowledge!

     Further your soccer knowledge during the upcoming lull between fall and spring seasons with NSCAA Coaching Courses!
    The NSCAA Coaching Academy offers both non- residential and residential courses to help enhance the knowledge of soccer coaches. The non-residential, entry-level courses are conducted on a demand basis across the country and include the State, Regional and Advanced Regional Diplomas. The residential courses, meanwhile, are held at predetermined sites around the country. These one-week courses include upper level National, Advanced National, Premier and National Youth Diplomas. For coaches who work with goalkeepers, the NSCAA Coaching Academy offers State Gk and Regional GK Diplomas through its Goalkeeping Institute.
     These courses provide a valuable resource to all US Club Soccer members. In order for our country's youth players to develop their technical and tactical awareness, their coaches need to be well educated. We are proud to partner with the NSCAA to help this occur.
     If you are not already a NSCAA member, you can become one online at NSCAA.com. US Club Soccer members receive a $15 discount on NSCAA membership.
     More details, including course applications, can be found for each of these diplomas at http://www.NSCAA.com Following is a listing of upcoming NSCAA courses. Start increasing your soccer knowledge now!
 

New NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma Offered

     NSCAA, in conjunction with US Club Soccer, will conduct the inaugural NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma course Oct. 14-16, 2005 in Omaha, Neb. The course is designed to address the issues confronting the Director of an American club.
    The curriculum for the 21-hour course, created jointly by US Club Soccer and the NSCAA, examines the technical, conceptual, leadership and administrative skills of future and current Directors of Coaching for youth soccer clubs for the purpose of developing the youth soccer player.
    Highlighted topics include organizational structure, methods of coaching, leadership theory, evaluation and development of coaches and players and fiscal, legal and moral responsibility. Candidates will obtain an understanding of each of the individual units of a club as well as the interrelationship of those parts to achieve the specific goals and objectives of a youth soccer club.
     The NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma course will be instructed by Richard Butler, the Director of Coaching for the Williamsburg Soccer Club; Danny Beamer, the NSCAA Region VI Technical Director; and a soon to be named member of US Club Soccer. Other staff members include Dr. Matt Robinson, Director of the Sports Management Department at the University of Delaware; and Dr. Darren Treasure, a sports psychologist and the former Director of Sports Psychology at the University of Arizona.
     The cost of the non-residential course is $275 and includes a collegiate game between Bradley and Creighton University Saturday evening at Creighton’s Morrison Stadium, which opened in 2004 and is regarded as one of the nation’s best college soccer venues. To download an application form for this course, CLICK HERE.
     To view the complete article CLICK HERE
 

Non-residential NSCAA Coaching Courses

For a complete listing of all non-residential course offerings CLICK HERE
For more information on the various courses CLICK HERE.  

NSCAA National Youth Coaching Course

To download the application form in PDF format, CLICK HERE. See below for more detailed information on the course and the site coordinators.

Course Overview
The National Youth Diploma Course is a 21-hour course held during three days designed for the youth coach working with players ages 5 to 12. The goal is to help coaches create the optimal learning environment for teaching the developing player. The course features highly informative sessions dedicated to fulfilling NSCAA’s core mission of education. Instruction is provided in a classroom setting in addition to practical on-field demonstrations, allowing candidates to put their knowledge into action.

Course curriculum includes:
Organization of a training session;
Teaching proper technique;
Team management;
Concepts of attack and defense in small-sided games;
Laws of the Game;
Safety and the care and prevention of injuries
Course instructors are certified through the NSCAA Coaching Academy representing some of the most experienced and qualified soccer teachers in the United States. No testing is involved with the National Youth Diploma Course; participants who complete the course are awarded a diploma.

Course Fees
Fees include registration, tuition and course notebook. Recommended housing is available by contacting the local host group. Course fees are:
NSCAA Member: $175
Non-Member: $225* (includes one-year NSCAA Youth Coach membership)

Qualifications
Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Previous coaching certification, such as an NSCAA State or Regional Diploma and/or the USSF “E” or “F” license, is strongly suggested. A waiver of previous coaching certifications will be considered on an individual basis if a current resume is submitted with the application.
 

Coaching Course Calendar

Alabama Youth Soccer (A Division of Alabama Soccer Association)
Courses may be set up by request of any member organization in good standing.
19220 Hwy 280 West, Birmingham AL 35242
aysa@alabamayouthsoccer.org 
 

Frequently Asked Questions
   about the USSF Coach Education Program

What do candidates need to bring to the course?

1. Appropriate soccer attire to actively participate in field sessions and in a variety of weather conditions (shorts, sweats pants, etc.)
2. Appropriate soccer footwear for both outdoor and indoor sessions (tennis shoes and cleats)
3. Water or sports drink
4. A properly inflated SOCCER BALL!
5. Writing materials (pens, pencil, notepad, etc.)
6. Sunscreen for field sessions
7. AN OPEN MIND and A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN!!!
    

What happens in case of inclement weather?

      Please contact your site coordinator. They will be able to handle your weather questions. The site coordinators phone number will be a made available prior to the beginning of the course on the OSA web site and at the beginning of your course.
 

How do I get an application to attend a coaching course?

• CEP Calendar
• General Information
• Policies & Procedures
• Course Descriptions
• Application to Host
• Coaching License Applications E, D & C Courses
• Download Word version of Application to attend USSF "C" Course
• Download Word version  of Application to attend State E and D Courses

How does my organization apply to host a coaching course?

• Application to Host a Coaching Course
   

Does my state coaching certificate/license expire?

      All state licenses are non-expiring. Coaches are always encouraged to attend the next coaching course level, a seminar, a workshop, or a coaching clinic to continue to grow and develop.

Am I required to participate in the field sessions for my course?

     Yes, all candidates are expected to attend and actively participate in all sessions. Don’t worry. Your playing ability is not important and you will get plenty of water breaks.

Waiting Period between courses
 

     There is no waiting period between the youth modules and the "E" certificate. However, it is recommended that you attend only the course that corresponds with the age of the players that you are coaching. The material in these courses is age specific and to ensure proper development, players should be presented only age appropriate information.

     There is a 1-year waiting period between receiving the "E" certificate and attending the "D" course. This waiting period ensures that candidates are given an opportunity to apply what they have learned.

 

Waivers
 

     A waiver does not serve as an official coach certificate/license. The waiver entitles the holder only the opportunity to take the next level course.  

     There will be NO waivers for the Youth Modules.  

     Waivers for the State "E" course are available. These waivers are granted at the sole discretion of the State DOC.  All candidates seeking an "E" waiver must fill out the Coaching Course waiver application and submit it with the nonrefundable $15 (check or money order) application fee to the State DOC 30 days prior to the start of a scheduled "D" course.

     All waivers will be evaluated in three areas, according to the United States Soccer Federation standards. These areas are: 1). License level with an outside organization, 2). Coaching experience, and 3). Playing experience.

     Any candidate who receives an "E" course waiver and fails the "D" course will have to attend an "E" course before attempting the "D" course again.

     For candidates with professional playing experience check with the United States Soccer Federation to see if you qualify to attend a National Coaching School.

 

Equivalency Policy
 

     Alabama Soccer Association has developed a list of license equivalents for non-USSF certified coaching certifications. These license equivalencies are provided below.

 

• NSCAA National Diploma = AYS State "D" Certificate

• NSCAA Regional Diploma = AYS State "E" Certificate

• AYSO Advanced = AYS State "E" Certificate

• All other domestic certifications/licenses from any other organizations will be evaluated on an individual basis by the State DOC

• All certifications/licenses from foreign countries will be evaluated on an individual basis by the State DOC

License Conversion
 

A coach who has completed the above coaching course material can obtain an AYS State "E" certificate by submitting to the State DOC the following:

l Completed State "E" Course Waiver Application

l Proof of completion of an equivalent course (copy of certificate/license)

l Completed "E" course written exam. This exam must receive a passing score.

A coach license conversion request will take 6 weeks to complete.

 

Enrollment Policy
 

      All courses are open to any coach from any club or association, who meet the course pre-requisite requirements, on a first come first serve basis.

 

Registration Policy

     All applicants for all courses must pre-registrar with the AYS at least 10 days prior to the scheduled course. All completed applications should be sent to the address listed at the top of this document.

 

Complete Application Policy

     An application is considered complete once all information and release forms are filled out, signed, and submitted along with the proper course payment to AYS, CEP.

 

Applicant Acceptance Policy

     All applicants meeting all the course pre-requisites and with a completed application are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Refund Policy

     All candidates who withdraws from a course are subject to the following restrictions:

• The withdrawal request must be made in writing and received by mail, fax, or email.

• A full refund is always given if the candidate finds another qualified applicant to replace them in the course.

• If no replacement applicant can be found, the refund time periods and refund amounts are as follows:

More than 10 days in advance of the course = Full course fee

Between 10 and 5 days in advance of the course = Half the course fee

Less than 5 days in advance of the course = No refund given

 

Maximum Number of Candidates per course

     Best efforts will be made to accommodate all qualified candidates desiring to attend a course. However there may be times when the number of candidates will have to be limited due to the size of the facilities and/or the availability of instructors needed to maintain a good candidate to instructor ratio.

How do I become an Alabama Instructional Staff Coach?

      All instructional staff coaches are required to have a National license from the United States Soccer Federation. Please note that a National ‘D’ is issued through AYSA not USSF.  If you meet this requirement please contact the State Director of Coaching and Player Development for more information.

 

Alabama Youth Soccer
19220 Hwy 280 W
Birmingham AL 35242
aysa@alabamayouthsoccer.org

The U.S. Soccer Coaching Department routinely fields queries regarding the many programs and services that it offers.  What follows are some of the most frequently asked questions - and the corresponding answers.

U.S. Soccer Coaching Department
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the prerequisites for the National "A", "B", "C" and Youth Licenses?
Answer: The following are the prerequisites for the National "A", "B", "C" and Youth Licenses:

• "A" License: Candidates must be 21 years old and have earned a National "B" License (held for minimum of 12 months) and meet 3.2 Rule requirement
• "B" License: Candidates must be 19 years old and have earned a National "C" License (held for minimum of 12 months) and meet 3.2 Rule requirement or have received the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma (held for minimum of 12 months)
• "C" License: Candidates must be 18 years old and have earned a National "D" License held for a minimum of 12 months or have received the NSCAA National Diploma (held for minimum of 12 months)
• Youth License: Candidates must be 18 years old and hold a "D" License or have the approval of the State Director of
  Coaching to attend the course.

 

Q: What are the membership benefits of the U.S. Soccer Coaches Organization?
A: As a member of the U.S. Soccer Coaches Organization you receive these benefits from your membership:

• Free subscription to the bi-monthly coaching publication, "Success in Soccer", the most comprehensive coaching magazine on the market ($25 value)
• Reduced rates for USSF National Coaching Schools ($50 value)
• Liability insurance policy ($100 value)
• National coaching clinics & symposiums (saving of $10-20 per clinic)
• National Teams Annual Technical Summary (reduced rate of purchase)
• Access to soccer videos and literature (savings of 10-15%)
• U.S. Soccer Coaches Organization Membership card
• Free U.S. Soccer Coaches Organization shirt ($15 value)
• U.S. Soccer Website
• E-mail of U.S. Soccer’s Weekly Newsletter, "SoccerWire"

 

Q: How can I receive "SoccerWire" and stay up-to-date with other U.S. Soccer news?
A: "SoccerWire" is a benefit of membership in the U.S. Soccer Coaches Organization and is available via e-mail to members.  If you are a current member and do not currently receive this informative weekly newsletter, please contact the U.S. Soccer Organization at (312) 528-1265.

Q: Can I be waived into the "C" or "B" License with professional playing experience?
A: Applicants with three (3) years of coaching experience AND three (3) years playing experience with U.S. National Teams or three (3) years professional playing experience may be waived into the National "C" License. Applicants with five (5) years coaching experience AND five (5) years playing experience with U.S. National Teams or five (5) years professional playing experience may be waived into the National "B" License. Documentation of both professional playing experience and coaching experience is required.

Q: What type of documentation do I need to apply for a coaching license waiver for the National “B” or “C” License?
A: If applying as a professional player, the applicant must fill out the Professional Player Waiver application and submit proof of professional playing and coaching experience.  Please contact the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at (312) 528-1219 or coaches@ussoccer.org for an application form.

Q: Who is eligible to take a National License?
A: All persons are eligible to take our courses provided they meet the requirements for the License they seek (see above).

Q: Where can I find an application for the National Coaching Schools?
A: Applications can be downloaded on U.S. Soccer's website - www.ussoccer.com - or by contacting the Coaching Department at coaches@ussoccer.org or (312) 528-1219.

Q: Do I need to be "in shape" for the Coaching Schools?
A: We strongly recommend that you be in decent physical condition to meet the physical demands of the courses.

Q: Where can I find State Hosted National “C” and Youth License schedules?
A: Please click here for a current listing of State-Hosted National “C” and Youth License courses or call the Coaching Department at (312) 528-1219.

Q: Where would I find National "D" License schedules?
A: This course is taught by the local State Youth Soccer Associations. Contact your state office and speak with the Director of Coaching for a schedule of courses.

Q: Do I have to renew my USSF National "B" License?
A: No. The "B" and "C" Licenses are non-expiring.

Q: How many Continuing Education credits do I need to keep my National "A" License current?
A: All coaches currently holding an "A" License must accumulate eight (8) CE credits within every four-year cycle to maintain the status of their "A" License.

Q: What qualifies for the Continuing Education Program?
A: U.S. Soccer recognizes or conducts the following activities or events where CE credits can be obtained. Credit amounts will vary pending duration and/or level of programming.

1. Attendance at a regional coaching or player development workshop or in-service program (2-4 credits)
2. Attendance at a U.S. Soccer coaching symposium (2-4 credits)
3. Attendance at a U.S. Soccer National Coaching School to audit the "A" License course (8 credits)
4. Successfully complete the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Premier Course (8 credits)

U.S. Soccer may conduct other activities or events that will provide additional opportunities to earn CE credits. These activities or events will be publicized on ussoccer.com. All activities and events are open to coaches of all levels.

Q: How do I update my USSF "A" License if it expires?
A: Coaches with expired "A" Licenses must re-take the "A" License courses and pass the examinations in order to be awarded the "A" License.

Q: How can I find out where coaching symposiums are being held that qualify for the Continuing Education Program?
A: These activities or events are publicized here.

Q: How can I get an extension on my "A" License?
A: Please send a letter to the U.S. Soccer’s Manager of Coaching Programs with a detailed explanation of the extension request. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How can I replace my "A", B", "C" or Youth License certificate?
A: It is now easier to replace your lost or misplaced National “A”, “B”,  “C” or Youth Coaching License certificate or card. Simply, fill out the Replacement Coaching License order form - available for download on ussoccer.com as a .pdf - and mail it back along with payment to the U.S. Soccer Federation, Attn.: Coaching Department, 1801 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL 60616.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for your request to be processed.  Feel free to contact the Coaching Department at (312) 528-1219 or coaches@ussoccer.org with any questions.

Q:  How can I replace my “D” or “E” Coaching License?
A: The State Youth Soccer Associations administer all “D” and “E” Coaching Licenses.  Please contact the State Youth Soccer Association office where you took your course.  A directory of State Youth Soccer Associations is available at ussoccer.com.

Q: What are the types of coaching materials for sale from U.S. Soccer?
A: U.S. Soccer has available for sale the Official Playing and Coaching Manual of the United States Soccer Federation, Soccer: How to Play the Game. To purchase, please call (312) 528-1265 or download and fax in the following order form (.pdf). You may also order the book from ussoccerstore.com by clicking here.

For more information – or to ask a question of your own - please contact Kati Hope, U.S. Soccer’s Manager of Coaching Programs at (312) 528-1231 or khope@ussoccer.org.

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Content Owner:                         Web Admin:              
Suzette Dye               dprsports@decatur-al.gov