The Education PatHway
In an effort to further improve the grassroots soccer environment for both players and coaches, U.S. Soccer has restructured the foundation of its coaching license pathway. The new Grassroots Licensing Courses, which replace the F and E License Courses, offer an a-la-carte approach meant to empower coaches with education that is relevant to their specific coaching needs. The Grassroots Licenses will help coaches ensure fun, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate environments for their players. Prospective coaches will have the option to partake in any of these new courses – in any sequence – after completing a cost-free, Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module provided by U.S. Soccer.
The Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module serves as the first step in obtaining any one of the eight new Grassroots Licenses: four in-person courses and four online courses across the four grassroots levels: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11. The eight-course options relate directly to small-sided games and the respective age groups outlined in the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.
Importance of Grassroots Coach Education
Grassroots coaching education is critical for improved success, enjoyment for players, and the personal benefit of coaches themselves. There are no specific requirements for coaching at the recreational level, but all clubs are encouraged to work toward 100% participation in coaching education. Coaching education should come in multiple forms so the maximum number of individuals can be reached. Licenses, diplomas, in-house training, videos, mentorship, and any effective forms of learning for coaches should come into play – with formal training having low cost, wide availability, and convenient locations.
MSYSA offers and supports the US Soccer education courses for Grassroots coaches through the US Soccer Learning Center. All are guided by the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives.
The Grassroots Licensing Courses consists of four in-person experiences and four online experiences. Prospective coaches have the option to engage in any of the courses, in any sequence, after completing a free introductory module.
The D course has been updated in accordance with the revamped approach at the grassroots level and the F and E courses have transitioned out of the Coaching Pathway. The E and F licenses will still be recognized by U.S. Soccer and both certifications remain relevant as a means to advance within the pathway.
Cycle of Courses in Maryland
The Maryland State Youth Soccer’s Coaching Education department is excited to be able to host courses of varying levels for coaches throughout the year. For coaches to be able to plan in advance, the information below may be used as a guide. Unfortunately, as we depend on youth soccer clubs across the state to host these courses, planning for the future is difficult at best.
After reviewing the available courses in the US Soccer Learning Center (LC) linked below, if you are interested in hosting a course, please click on host a course above for more information!
Cycle of Courses by Level:
- Grassroots In-Person Blended format
- 2 hours virtual classroom with educator, 2 hours field session
- These are offered in most months with courses being added to the Learning Center often
- Grassroots Online only
- 2 hours self-led video
- Available at any time on the Learning Center.
- USSF D Course
- Typically, these are offered each quarter with approximately 12 courses per year.
- USSF C Course
- Typically, these are offered each quarter with approximately 3 courses per year.
- USSF B Course
- Typically, these are offered once annually, in the second half of the year.
