Coaching Education – Investment or Expense

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin.

An examination of the background of soccer coaches who have a positive impact on the development of players; education and training are part of their building blocks.

Coaches who are constantly studying and learning often have a philosophy supported by research. Their continued success is not tied to their background or past achievements, but to the desire to be a lifelong learner (Grassroots to Professional Pathway).

Coaching Education Pathways

My Coaching Journey

My first coaching opportunity was with a U11 girls team. Apart from taking the 4-hour entry-level league course, I had no coaching expertise. In my mind, of course, I knew soccer and how to coach youth – former player and avid fan.

On reflection, my methods were not age and stage appropriate for youth soccer. Warm-ups were 2 – 3 laps around a huge field, followed by stationary passing (drills).

I did take the D license and remember arguing with the Kenichi Yatsuhashi, the instructor on a tactical moment, only later to learn I was wrong. That instructor later became my mentor who guided my coaching journey.

Current Youth Soccer Landscape

Youth practices still reflect the 4 don’ts of soccer. Players run laps for warm-ups. Players wait for their turn in lines. Players endure a lecture after a game and practice. Players have to listen to the use of inappropriate language.

A lack of education and training is also evident when coaches constantly place a great emphasis on physical fitness with a preteen.

Still occurring is the ‘old’ school method of drill training (stationary players passing back & forth).

Lifelong Learner

For players to grow and develop, coaches need to become lifelong learners.

Instead of drills, game-like environment activities that develop perception, decision making, and skills need to be applied. Coaches need to become lifelong learners.

In the U.S. there are multiple platforms for continuing education (Image Above – Coaching Education Pathways).

6 Coaching Pathways

There are several avenues to start your journey at the grassroots level.

Coaches can obtain certificates, diplomas, and licenses in different game models through the following organizations.

  1. US Soccer – https://learning.ussoccer.com/
  2. United Soccer Coaches – https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/
  3. US Youth – https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/
  4. American Youth Soccer Organizations – https://ayso.org/
  5. The Coerver Coach Education – https://www.coerver.com/
  6. The World Football Academy – https://worldfootballacademyusa.com/

Learning can also be attained through in-person events

  • Convention
  • Clinics
  • Symposia
  • Webinar
  • Podcast

Your Journey

There are coaching opportunities offered in-person and online in a variety of formats. What will be your next learning step along your journey to improve as a coach?

Resources

  • Soccer Journal, The Publication of United Soccer Coaches. May/June 2018, Vol. 63 No 3
  • US Soccer – Learning Center
Tweet
Share
Share
0 Shares