The FA’s education arm FA Learning has a comprehensive approach to training coaches from grassroots to elite level. There is a coaching pathway which maps the journey from a new coach undertaking his or her first training course right through to taking the top qualifications needed to manage an international side.
There are three strands of coaching courses: the main strand covers the entry Level One coaching certificate and leads up to the UEFA Pro Licence, held by top club and national side managers. The second strand features specialist courses, including goalkeeping, Futsal and disability football. The third strand covers age-appropriate courses, including The FA Youth Award.
The first step for new coaches is to take the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football, which is available throughout the country. It covers the organisation and delivery of safe and enjoyable coaching sessions for players. The course will provide practical drills to develop players’ technical skills and is suited to those working with groups of young players.
The Level Two Certificate in Coaching Football provides a more in-depth understanding of coaching. The course also introduces new themes such as looking at different coaching styles, preparing for accidents and emergencies and players’ nutritional needs.
The Level Three Certificate in Coaching Football teaches coaches to apply the principles of performance profiling. This knowledge will aid them to evaluate player and team performance and set goals accordingly. Coaches learn how to analyse matches, assess fitness, provide a psychological analysis of players and build on nutritional awareness.
The UEFA A Licence is the highest practical coaching award available. It follows the UEFA B Licence and can lead onto the FA Academy Managers or the UEFA Pro Licence award. The content meets UEFA guidelines and the course runs for a minimum of 120 hours. It is suitable for coaches working with a team playing 11-a-side.
The FA Youth Award Introductory Module is a groundbreaking new course encouraging coaches to know as much about their young players as they do about the game. This one-day course provides an introduction to The FA Youth Award, which looks at how to coach young players as well as what to teach them.
The FA Youth Award Module One – Developing the Environment represents a brand new approach to coaching and is essential for anyone involved in the junior game, at any level. Young players develop at different rates physically, technically, socially and psychologically. A mix of theory and practical sessions, coaches will learn how to motivate young players and manage their self-esteem.
The FA Youth Award Module Two – Developing the Practice teaches coaches to develop practices appropriate for the maturity levels of their players. Coaches will be expected to deliver and evaluate coaching practices to address different levels of player development. This is most suited to club coaches who are keen to improve their own personal development.
The FA Youth Award Module Three – Developing the Player continues the progressive change in coaching philosophy. Complementing the knowledge learned on the preceding modules, this course teaches coaches to have a truly player-centred approach when coaching and development our young players. The course comprises both practical and theory sessions.
The FA Youth Award Module One – Developing the Environment represents a brand new approach to coaching and is essential for anyone involved in the junior game, at any level. Young players develop at different rates physically, technically, socially and psychologically. A mix of theory and practical sessions, coaches will learn how to motivate young players and manage their self-esteem.
Our Coaches Partner, McDonald’s, are giving away hundreds of free places on the FA Youth Award Module 1 across England, to help you move up the coaching qualification ladder. Click here to find out how you can apply.
For details on the specialist courses, download the course information guide.