NCFC YOUTH COACH EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

A four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players. 

The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).​

Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities.  Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.

Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.​

11v11 In-Person Courses

The U.S. Soccer 11v11 Grassroots coaching course is designed to support student coaches in guiding players within a U13-U15 participation environment. 

9v9 In-Person Courses

The U.S. Soccer 9v9 Grassroots coaching course is designed to support student coaches in guiding players within a U11-U12 participation environment. 

7v7 In-Person Courses

The U.S. Soccer 7v7 Grassroots coaching course is designed to support student coaches in guiding players within a U9-U10 participation environment. 

Course duration:

Nine (9) weeks (Including summative assessment) with two (2) in-person weekends

• Virtual meetings (Large group/small group)

• Videos

• Individual meetings with Coach Educator

• Independent learning and investigation/research

• Individual assignments

• Collaborative projects

Assessment:

Formative Assessment (course assignments during the course) in:

• Leadership and Managing the Performance Environment

• Leading the Player within the Team

• Coaching Games

• Coaching Training Sessions

Summative Assessment (Final projects at the end of the course) in:

• Coaching Training Sessions

• Design and coach one (1) activity within the training session

• Students that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings and complete all assignments in order to be eligible for the 

final assessment

The candidate will discuss, collaborate, and develop knowledge and skills in the following areas as part of the course learning environment:

Learning is designed around the candidate being part of a club or program where they are expected to:

• 2-3 training sessions per week

Learning is designed around this player profile:

• Age: U13–U19 
• Skillset: Beginner to Intermediate
• Motivation: Loves to train and play / self-motivated

Learning is designed around teams in this competition profile: 

• Local - State 
• Variance in duration of the season   

Learning Objectives:

• Create a positive and safe environment that encourages respect, inclusivity and belonging 
• Plan and design two training sessions within a one-week cycle 
• Implement activities and facilitate player learning 
• Prepare an age-appropriate game plan aligned to the training week objectives 
• Observe and describe player and team behavior during the game 

Course Experience:

4 months (16 weeks) with a blended learning approach: 

• Four (4) in-person days 
• Virtual meetings (Average of one (1) virtual meetings per week) 
• Individual meetings with assigned Coach Educator 
• Independent learning and Individual assignments

ELIGIBILITY

To register for the U.S. Soccer B Course, individuals must meet the following prerequisites:  

Is at least 18 years of age  

Hold a U.S. Soccer C license for at least one (1) year  

Have three (3) or more years of coaching experience (any level) 

A waiver of the U.S. Soccer C License may be considered based on previous professional or national team playing experience or foreign licensure. More information can be found here: https://ussf.my.site.com/lcsupport/s/article/Waiver-Process-FAQs

and 

Student Coaches must have access to a team playing 11v11 (U13+) for the duration of the course 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Create a positive and safe environment that encourages respect, inclusivity and belonging 

Create and apply individual player development plan to enhance development and performance 

Plan and design three training sessions within a week 

Implement and optimize designed training sessions and facilitate player learning 

Analyze implemented sessions and player and team responses to coaching 

Prepare an age-appropriate game plan aligned to the game model and the training week objectives 

Implement the game plan and monitor coaching behaviors  

Analyze and report team performance

COURSE EXPERIENCE 

6 Months: January–June or July-December with a blended learning approach:

Two (2) in-person meetings 

Virtual meetings (Average of one (1) virtual meeting per week)

Live webinars with guest speakers  

Individual meetings with assigned Coach Educator

Independent learning and Individual assignments