The Arizona Soccer Association and U.S. Soccer is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. The Arizona Soccer Association and U.S. Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires.
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Introduction to Grassroots Coaching
This free introductory module, which represents the first step in the newly revised coaching license pathway, is now the general starting point of the pathway and is the required prerequisite to undergo any of U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Licensing Courses. Coaches who complete the module will also be provided with four complimentary Play-Practice-Play training sessions.
Grassroots Courses
Prerequisite: Must complete the Introduction to Grassroots Coaching
U.S. Soccer offers four different courses, 11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 4v4, as both in-person and on-line.
Goals For Each Course
- To understand the basic needs of grassroots players
- To understand the basic structure of the game
- To understand the basic structure of a training session
- To understand the basic tasks of a grassroots coach
In-Person Course Details & Registration
Course Length: All In-Person Classes Are Four Hours
- 11v11
- 9v9
- 7v7
- 4v4
Online Course Details & Registration
Course Length: All \On-Line Course Are Two Hours
- 11v11
- 9v9
- 7v7
- 4v4
D Course
Prerequisite: 11v11 Grassroots In-Person, One Grassroots In-Person (4v4, 7v7, 9v9), One Grassroots Online (4v4, 7v7, 9v9) or Previously Earned USSF E License or Previously Earned USSF F License, 11v11 Grassroots In-Person, One Grassroots In Person (4v4, 7v7, 9v9)
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work with youth teams (U6 to U19) in a participation environment
Goals
- To create game-like training sessions that encourage players’ ownership (decision-making)
- To create a game day environment that encourages players’ ownership (decision-making)
Course Length
- 12 Weeks Minimum/24 weeks Maximum – Option 1 (45 hours)
- One (1) in-person meeting – Field Component
- Virtual meetings
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 meetings with instructor
- 2 Weekends (2 day in-person meetings each weekend) – Option 2 (60 hours)
- Two (2) in-person meeting – Meetings must be 6-8 weeks apart
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 meetings with instructor
C Course
Prerequisite: Holds a U.S. Soccer D License For One (1) Year
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work with youth teams (U11 to U19) in a participation environment
Goals
- To create series of progressive game-like training sessions that encourage players’ ownership (decision-making)
- To create a game day environment linked to training sessions goals
Course Length
- Four (4) Months – Scheduled Throughout The Year
- Two (2) In-Person Meetings
- Virtual meetings
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 and 1 on 2 meetings with instructor
B Course
Prerequisite: Holds a U.S. Soccer C License For One (1) Year and Have Three (3) Or More Years Of Coaching Experience (Any Level)
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work with youth (U13+) or senior teams in a performance environment
Goals
- To implement a game model based on a style of play
- To create and implement a coaching structure to influence players during games and training sessions
Course Length
- Six (6) Months – January – June or July – December
- Two (2) In-Person Meetings
- Virtual meetings
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 meetings with instructor
A-Youth Course
Prerequisite: Must hold a U.S. Soccer B License For One (1) year. Application Based – Details Here
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work as a head coach with youth teams in a high-performance environment
Goals
- To create and articulate a style of play in a game model
- To create and implement a training and coaching methodology to develop the teams and individual players during training sessions and games
Course Length
- Ten (10) Months – August – May (Typical Course Pattern)
- Three (3) In-Person Meetings
- Virtual meetings
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 meetings with instructor
- Guest Speakers
- Final Presentation & Interview
A- Senior Course
Prerequisite: Must hold a U.S. Soccer B License For One (1) year. Application Based – Details Here
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work as a head coach with a senior team in a high-performance environment
Goals
- To create and articulate a style of play in a game model
- To create and implement a training and coaching methodology to develop the teams and individual players during training sessions and games
Course Length
- Ten (10) Months – August – May (Typical Course Pattern)
- Three (3) In-Person Meetings
- Virtual meetings
- Independent learning and development periods
- 1 on 1 meetings with instructor
- Guest Speakers
- Final Presentation & Interview
Pro Course
Prerequisite: Must hold a U.S. Soccer A License For One (1) year. Application Based – Details Here
Course Purpose
- To prepare coaches to work as a head coach with a senior team at the highest level of national and international professional soccer
Goals
- Develop a winning team culture
- Create a game model that aligns with the club culture, the quality of the players and believes of the coach
- Develop and use a leadership style that drives the high-performance environment
Course Length
- 12 Months – December – December (Typical Course Pattern)
- Three (3) In-Person Meetings (5 Days Each)
- When Possible, One International Meeting
- Two In-Person Or Virtual Meetings With the Instructor In Candidates’ Own Team Environment
- Virtual Meetings With The Entire Group / Small Groups / 1 on 1
- Independent Learning & Development Periods
- Guest Speakers
- Final Presentation & Interview