Coaching & General FA Learning Questions

Q: Where do I start in my coaching career – what is the structure of the qualifications available?
A: The first qualification on the coaching ladder is the Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football – this qualification is ideal for someone with little or no experience of coaching and wants to help young people develop the basics of the sport. It is recommended that this qualification is completed before you progress to the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football, an intensive course requiring a significant coaching commitment, an appropriate level of fitness and recent experience of playing the sport. If you anticipate working with players at academy level you might consider the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B Coaching award). All the above qualifications are developed by FA Learning/The Football Association and awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications.
   
Q: How much does it cost to do a coaching course?
A: The prices of courses vary and are set by the approved centre - the people who actually deliver the qualification. Price will be determined by the type and duration of delivery package on offer. You are encouraged to shop around and compare the package offered with the price. The distance you may have to travel to the course can have a significant impact on the cost and should be considered.
   
Q: Where are courses run?
A: The courses are run by a variety of organizations, called Approved Centres. These are predominately FA County Football Associations and The FA, but colleges, schools and other organisations also deliver them. Information on courses is available by clicking here.
   
Q: What is the format of courses?
A: The courses vary in length and contain both practical and theoretical aspects. Each approved centre has their own programme which is provided by the centre on applying for the course.
 
 
Q: How can I contact my local County FA?
A: There is a contact list for each County FA available by clicking here, however in many cases County FA course details are now on this website and can be viewed by clicking on this link.
   
Q: How/Where can I take my UEFA 'B'?
A: Access to the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B Coaching Award) is only available to candidates who have achieved the FA Coaching Certificate or the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football. The qualification is delivered locally and nationally. All national course details can be viewed by clicking here as well as many local courses. Where County FA details are not available you can contact the County FA directly.
   
Q: Can I go straight to UEFA 'B'?
A: Access to the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B Coaching Award) is only available to candidates who have achieved the FA Coaching Certificate or the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football. All national course details can be viewed by clicking here as well as many local courses. Where County FA details are not available you can contact the County FA directly.
   
Q: Where can I take a course - I live outside the UK?
A: Candidates can travel from abroad to take courses. The FA run specific residential international courses.
Q: I have lost my certificate how can I get a copy?
A: Duplicate certificates for either FA or 1st4sport Qualifications can be provided if a record of your achievement of the qualification is held on our qualifications database. There is a charge of £11.75 for this service and a form to request a replacement is available from 1st4sport Qualifications 0113 290 7610.
   
Q: Where can I do the prerequisites for qualifications? (CP & Emergency Aid)
A: Most approved centre will normally offer or incorporate the pre-requisites in to the course of training. If you are not offered this service then not stand alone courses are usually run by County FA's.
 
 
 
Q: How many times can I be reassessed?
A: A candidate is usually registered for a qualifications for two years, from the start of the course. In principle you can be re-assessed any number of times during that period. However, this will be usually be dependant on the action plan given out by your external assessor. Candidates needing to be reassessed on more than 2 occasions should consider redoing the course of training.
   
Q: What do I do next after the FA Junior Team Manager's Course?
A: Either a Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football. You should discuss your needs, playing and coaching experience with an approved centre and they should help you decide which course is most appropriate. You might also consider developing your knowledge in other specific areas which will support your coaching, including such as sports therapy, firs aid, psychology or fitness training. Qualifications are available in all these areas.
   
Q: What is FACA - how can I join?
A: FACA is the FA Coaches Association. The FA's professional body for coaches. Membership is available in 2 categories, Licensed and unlicensed coach. Further information can be found by contacting FACA directly at 0113 279 9147.
   
Q: How long does it take to become a UEFA A Coach?
A: You can only access the FA Advanced License Course (UEFA A Coaching Award) following completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B). The time to get to this level will vary from person to person and will largely depend on your coaching ability and in particular your coaching experience having held the B Licence. This is a very intense and demanding course and you are encouraged to assess your suitability by speaking to a County FA or an experienced coach educator before applying.
   
Q: How can I get a paid job as a coach?
A: Jobs for coaches are advertised via FACA, may be advertised in local and national press, but a coaches first job is likely to be unpaid and found by going round all the local clubs 'selling' your services to gain experience, results and credibility.
   
Q: How can I become a coach in the Premiership?
A: Premiership Football academies have their own criteria for the coaches that they employ but most would be looking for a minimum of the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B) or higher and significant and successful coaching experience.
 
 

Medical Course Questions

Q: How can I become a therapist - what is the structure of the qualifications available
A: Qualifications include the Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in the Treatment and Management of Injury in Football. Level 2 is normally a pre-requisite to move on to Level 3 having gained a qualification you are encouraged to develop your experience by offering your services voluntarily to local amateur clubs. With a Level 3 qualification and experience you might consider the FA Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injury in Football.
   
Q: How/Where can I take my FA Diploma?
A: The FA Diploma is only run nationally and you will find details on dates and costs by clicking here.
   
Q: Can I go straight to the FA Diploma?
A: Candidates will normally need to achieve the Level 2 and 3 Certificates in the Treatment and Management of Injury in Football before applying for the FA Diploma. APL may be available for experienced physiotherapists.
   
Q: How do I become a tutor?
A:

Applications for tutor status will need to be sent to the FA Medical and Exercise Science Department at Lilleshall.

The Football Association
Medical and Exercise Science Department
Lilleshall National Sports Centre
Near Newport
Shropshire TF10 9AT

Tel: 020 7745 4900
Fax: 01952 825476

   
Q: I'm a qualified physiotherapist - can I get APL?
A: There may be opportunities for experienced practitioners to gain APL to access the Level 3 Certificate in the Treatment and Management of Injury or the FA Diploma. All applications for APL should be made to the FA Medical and Exercise Science Department at Lilleshall.