LICENSES AND DIPLOMAS
Soccer coaching licenses and diplomas are offered by the top two national soccer organizations in the United States, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF or US Soccer) and United Soccer Coaches (formerly the National Soccer Coaches Association of America). US Soccer is the body for soccer in the United States as recognized by FIFA. They are not only entrusted with the National teams, but also are the pipeline and foundation of soccer development in the country. They offer the official licenses for soccer coaching in the United States. These start with what is characterized as a “grassroots pathway,” which then progress through the D License, the C License, the B License, and the A License (youth) or A License (seniors). The top US Soccer license is a professional team license.
The grassroots courses are available online or in person and progress up the small-sided game formats from 4v4, to 7v7, and 9v9, finally culminating in the full-sided, 11v11 game. To qualify for the US Soccer D course, candidates must meet the prerequisite of having had an in-person course at the 11v11 level as well as having passed through the other three formats. To take the C, B, or A, and the professional courses, the previous-grade course must be passed and the license held for six to twelve months. Licenses are granted after satisfactory completion of course requirements and examinations.
What the US Soccer Federation courses cover:
USSF Coaching Licenses can be searched and viewed at: https://learning.ussoccer.com/directory
What the United Soccer Coaches courses cover:
Using On-Line Resources, Virtual Classroom, In-Person learning, and Video Assessment, the diploma certification program and courses consist of Development, Advanced, and Masters categories.
The Development Courses are:
All are available online. Each contains four components: 1) An interactive lecture presentation (at the conclusion of the presentation, coaches receive a digital Diploma), 2) A full-color PDF course manual, 3) A 64-page full-color activity guide, and 4) Two 50-minute videos from the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
Advanced Diplomas are:
In addition, United Soccer Coaches has university partners who offer:
What is NFHS?
NFHS stands for the National Federation of High School Sports. Along with multiple online courses, coaches get additional training in social and psychological development of children. In addition to training, NFHS coaches have a very in-depth background check.
What about UEFA?
The UEFA coaching licenses are documents testifying credentials of coaches among members of UEFA. UEFA, the governing body for football in Europe, mandates several coaching licenses for professional managers, each valid for coaching at a certain level for all members of the organization. The US Soccer Federation has some of the most in depth coaching courses in the world. UEFA licenses typically transfer a letter grade down compared to USSF licensing. For example, if a coach comes over from Europe with a UEFA B license, they will have to test for a US Soccer B license and not an A license.