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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
The US Soccer Federation is the governing body for soccer in the United States as recognized by FIFA. They confer 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). Lastly, there is a professional 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. In order to qualify for the US Soccer D course, candidates must meet the pre-requisite of having had an in-person course at the 11v11 level as well as having passed through the other three formats. After that, to take the C, B, or A, and the professional courses, one generally has to have taken the previous-grade course and held the license for six to twelve months. Alternatively, there are waivers that can be used to bypass a lower level. These mainly fall into two categories: having previous experience coaching, or holding a foreign-equivalent certification from another country.
Licenses are granted after satisfactory completion of course requirements and examinations.
Visit the US Soccer Learning Center for complete and up-to-date info: US Soccer Learning Center
United Soccer Coaches
United Soccer Coaches, previously known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, offers a series of national diplomas based on its coaching program. Founded in 1941, it has over 32,000 members and promotes itself as the largest soccer coaching organization in the world. The number of diplomas awarded are broader in scope than those of the USSF, but do not carry the weight of being from the FIFA-recognized organization. United Soccer Coaches diplomas are designed to provide a service to their membership.
Visit the United Soccer Coaches website for complete and up-to-date info: United Soccer Coaches
All questions on coaching courses can be directed via email to our Director of Coaching Instruction, Tim Bradbury at tbradbury@enysoccer.com.