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"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

Alabama State Coaching Courses - E and D Courses

July 26th, 2004

To Alabama Youth Soccer Associations:
       We have several coaching education courses currently scheduled and would love to set up more Youth Module courses for recreational programs leading into the fall season. Also note the E's and D's coming up!
       An exciting offering for the first time ever in Alabama is the USSF National GK level 1 License! It will be held in Birmingham and will essentially be all day July 31st. USSF will provide National Staff for the course aimed at developing coaches' abilities to train their GK's! The Level One course is aimed specifically at the team coach – not just the specialist goalkeeper coach. The object is to empower the coach with knowledge and practice methods that will enable the coach to evaluate a goalkeeper in game situations and then design an appropriate practice program for goalkeepers in and outside of team practices. One major objective of Level One is to explode some of the myths and mystique surrounding the goalkeeping function. As Tony Waiters says: “Most of goalkeeping is common sense. Coaches can do a first-class job with their goalkeepers with a little coach education. This is the main purpose of Level One.” This is a great opportunity for all coaches and trainers in the state of Alabama and I hope to see many of you at it!

Currently scheduled:

July 31st USSF National Goalkeeping License Level 1 - Birmingham, AL
August 6-8th E Coaching Course - Birmingham, AL
August 6-8th, 14-15th D Coaching Course - Birmingham, AL
August 6-8th, 14-15th D Coaching Course - Auburn, AL
August 20-22nd E Coaching Course - Mobile, AL

Encourage your coaches to register early! More information is on the website: www.alabamayouthsoccer.org 

* USSF National Goalkeeping Level 1 License coming to Alabama July 31st! information will be on the website! Develop your coaches' abilities to train their goalkeepers!
 

Coaching License Required in Fall 2004 Season

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

The Minimum License Waiver form is available here that you may pass on to any of your coaches.
 

Youth Module Coaching Courses

     I am looking at scheduling Youth Modules for your associations and areas. The sooner we get it on the calendar the better. Available time slots are: (already scheduled - Alex City, Florence, Alabaster, Demopolis)

August 12 - evening
August 14 - anytime (Sat)
August 15 - afternoon
August 19 - evening
August 20 - evening
August 21- anytime (Sat)
August 22- afternoon
August 24 - evening
August 25 - evening
August 26 - evening
August 28 - anytime (Sat)
August 29 - afternoon

      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.

 

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

      The following are the policies and procedures for the Alabama Youth Soccer Association Coach Education Program.

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.  

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. The course will debut with a one-week session this August.
     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.
     The inaugural school for the license will be held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from July 31 to Aug. 6, 2004. Registration for this course will open May 17 at ussoccer.com, and course registration will be limited.
     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.

For a complete listing of all non-residential course offerings CLICK HERE and for the 2004 residential course listing CLICK HERE

For more information on the various courses CLICK HERE

NSCAA National Youth Diploma Courses Set

    
       More courses and sites may be added to the schedule. For the most current schedule of all NSCAA coaching education courses CLICK HERE
      To download an application form for any of the six National Youth Diploma courses as a PDF, 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 Certification Information

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

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
 

Waivers
 

Maximum Number of Candidates per course

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.