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.
Available Courses
The LC allows coaches to register for courses, take part in online courses, create session plans with an online graphics tool, access an archive of training sessions, and much more!
Coaching Education courses are currently being hosted at all course levels. Most courses are proceeding in a blended format – this means that any classroom work is virtual while field sessions still occur in person.
For the most up-to-date course list, please the link to the US Soccer LC below!
Note that courses mostly occur between seasons, if you do not see a course that you are interested in taking, please contact your club as ask them to host one!
Host a Course
Clubs that wish to serve as the host for a Maryland State Youth Soccer Educational Course must make the following accommodations:
- Blended Grassroots Courses:
- The course will take 4 hours: 2 hours webinar and 2 hours on the field
- Courses are set up for a 12:1 candidate to Educator ratio
- Players of the correct age and appropriate numbers are required for the field component:
| Course | Number of Players | Age Group |
| GR 4v4 | 8-10 players | 6U-8U |
| GR 7v7 | 14-16 players | 9U-10U |
| GR 9v9 | 18-20 players | 11U-12U |
| GR 11v11 | 18-22 players | 13U-17U |
- Select a site that includes
- Outdoor field with goals and, if possible, an indoor playing area to be used in case of bad weather. (indoor not mandatory)
- Select a site coordinator for the course. They will be the contact person for MSYSA.
- Choose two possible dates for the course you would like to host. (evening for webinar 2 hours and weekend for field session).
- Complete the online application below and submit it for consideration. You will be notified when your application is reviewed.
Site Coordinator Responsibilities:
- Course contact person
- Opening and closing the facility
- Take attendance on the MSYSA provided sheet
- The site coordinator may attend the course at no charge, but they will not count as a candidate to reach the minimum number of candidates to hold the course. In order to receive the license, they must register and complete all assignments in the Learning Center.
MSYSA Will:
- Assign the Educator(s).
- Post the course on MSYSA social media, the Learning Center (LC), and promote the course. If the course enrollment is not met one week prior to the start date of the course, the course may be canceled or rescheduled.
- Certification and/or licenses will be given only to those student coaches who attend the entire course and successfully complete the course requirements. Licenses will be made accessible to the candidates through the LC within three weeks after the course is finished.
How Do I Register for a Course?
- Click on the Learning Center link below
- At the top click on Coaching Education
- Click on Register for a Course
- On the left select the course level that you are looking for
- If you have never taken a course, start with the Introduction to Grassroots online module. It is free and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Course Refund / Transfer Policies
Prior to registration closing a full refund will be provided. Once registration has closed, a refund/credit will only be provided if a waitlist candidate may be added as a replacement OR in extenuating circumstances pending committee review.
By registering for any courses hosted by MSYSA, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the course policies regarding course assignments, number of participants, registration fees, and refunds.
Requests to transfer from any course to another course should be sent to the Technical Director. Transfer requests will only be approved if the following criteria are met:
- The established minimum number of candidates is maintained in the original class and the requested class has room for additional candidates.
- A written request by the candidate is received more than three (3) weeks prior to the beginning of the course.
- Full payment has been received by the state office and successfully processed.
