USSF Licenses

Overview of Coaching Education Programs

"A" License Course
The "A" License course curriculum teaches development and understanding of team play and specific tactical concepts applied to a game plan, i.e., low pressure defending, counter-attack, pressing, etc., the ability to construct an appropriate training session and coach within an 11v11 format, and understanding of team-related issues such as player management and match analysis.

Prerequisites: Candidates must be 21 years old and have earned a National "B" License (held for minimum of 12 months) and meets 3.2 Rule requirement.

"B" License Course
The curriculum emphasis of the "B" License course is the development of training that provides greater meaning to positional play within the team structure (functional training), improved understanding of the roles of players and their responsibilities within the game, and development of collective play within the various lines of play as applied to tactics and concepts of play.

Prerequisites: Candidates must be 19 years old and have earned a National "C" License (held for minimum of 12 months) and meets 3.2 Rule requirement.

"C" License Course
The "C" License course provides continued instruction on the development of individual skill taught within individual and small group activities and games (4v4 to 7v7) and the understanding and development of tactics through 4v4 to 9v9 games. Additionally, this course is designed to train coaches to observe mistakes and make appropriate corrections.

Prerequisites: Candidates must be 18 years old and have earned a National "D" License held for a minimum of 12 months

"D" License Course
The "D" License course prepares coaches to further develop their player’s technical abilities and their application within the game, increases their understanding of the Principles of Play and how they are applied in the game, and expands the coaches understanding of 11 a-side soccer and the importance of developing a team system that is based on the player’s abilities.

Prerequisites: Candidates must hold "E" Certificate or have the approval of their respective State Director of Coaching to attend.

Contact: For more information contact your local State Youth Association Director of Coaching.

"E" Certificate Course
Designed as an entry-level course for coaches of 11 a-side soccer to provide general instruction to coaching and organizing your team. This course also introduces the methodology of coaching and the four components of coaching soccer: Technique, Tactics, Fitness and Psychology. Field sessions concentrate on developing technique within small-sided games that also present problems for players to solve within the game.

Prerequisites: Varies by state

Contact: For more information contact your local State Youth Association Director of Coaching.

Adult Coaching License
The purpose and philosophy of the Adult Coaching License is to elevate the level of coaching education within the USASA membership, train amateur coaches/team administrators in current soccer coaching methodology, sports medicine, team administration, and player preparation for all levels of Adult Soccer and to prepare coaches to take other U.S. Soccer Coaching License Courses.

Prerequisites: None

Contact: For more information about the Adult Coaching License contact your local State Adult Soccer Association or Lu Aprigliano, Chairman of the USASA Coaching Committee, via e-mail at LALAWNJ@aol.com. You can also visit the USASA web site at www.usasa.com.

U.S. Soccer Youth License Course ("Y" License)
The National Youth License course is an age specific course designed to increase the coaches knowledge of the physical, psychological and social characteristics displayed by children of specific ages, i.e. U.6, U.8, U.10 and U.12.

Prerequisites: Candidates must be 18 years old and hold "D" License or have approval from their respective State Director of Coaching to attend.