Important update to the 2019/20 FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football courses

 

The 2019/20 FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football courses will be run from March 2020.

The change to the start date comes in response to a review of the course following its relaunch in 2017. All courses that have already begun prior to the start of the 19/20 season, which opens on 1 August 2019, will continue as scheduled.

More than 900 places will be available on courses across the country, adding to the 2,000 coaches who have already started their UEFA B learning since the qualification was updated two years ago.

The FA’s Head of Education, Lucy Pearson, explains:

“When we launched the new-look FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football course in 2017 we made a commitment to put the individual at its core.

“We designed it to be flexible to a learner’s needs, combining modern and relevant content with more one-to-one contact time with tutors in club environments.

“Since then, we’ve seen more than 2,000 learners qualify - three times the number from the previous 6 years - and we have delivered more than 3,000 in-club support visits.

“The requirements of the course are high and there is a significant number of learners yet to complete it; we want to give these learners the support that they need to gain the qualification and so have agreed to delay the start of any new courses until March 2020 so that we can achieve that end." 

Alongside the new start times will be some important updates to help new applicants when deciding on whether The FA Level 3 is a right fit for them.

One of the original architects of the new FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football was The FA’s Head of Grassroots Delivery, Les Howie:

“With the course only two years old, the review we have undertaken has allowed us to explore whether the course is achieving what we wanted it to - meeting the needs of the game and the modern developing coach - and identify any necessary updates for the longer-term benefit of our learners.

“Changing our start time to March was one of the areas identified because it offers an opportunity to fulfil our commitment to those already on the course.

“We’ll also be introducing some changes to the application criteria, which we’re confident will allow all future applicants to make a more informed decision about whether the Level 3 is right for them at that particular point in their journey."

Howie has also offered advice for those whose Level 3 plans may be affected next season.

“We appreciate individuals may have questions about the changes so from 8 July we'll an FAQs section will go live on our Help Centre that provides further information.

“I’d also suggest that if you’re considering applying in March to use this time to build your knowledge and skills so you’re fully ready to make the step onto the Level 3 when the time comes.

“There’s some great CPD opportunities available through The Boot Room as well as plenty of practical sessions, tips and guides you can use to develop your skills.”