UNITED SOCCER COACHES ADVANCED DIPLOMAS

The National Diploma, the introductory United Soccer Coaches Advanced Diploma, acquaints the coach with the technical, tactical, psychological, and physical needs of soccer players and provides an organized and progressive methodology of coaching those needs. Technical and tactical knowledge on the field is the central theme of the course, with sessions on the teaching process, principles of play, the importance of leading, and physical and psychological applications to develop the player and team. 

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Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: None. United Soccer Coaches 11v11/Pre National Diploma or the U.S. Soccer ‘E’ License are suggested

With an emphasis on training players within a team concept designed to produce a successful environment, the Advanced National curriculum includes team organization and training, advanced methodology, analysis and understanding of systems of play, a focus on tactics within thirds of the field, technical position overviews, match analysis, and the psychological aspect of coaching.

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Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: National Diploma // U.S. Soccer ‘D’ or ‘C’ License 

The association’s top technical award, the Premier Diploma curriculum includes a thorough examination of different systems of play, including technical and tactical implications; 11v11 topics, including coaching in the game, phase play, and shadow play; nutrition; sportsmanship/ethics; and a leadership component including team management, personal development and the coach’s role in game development in their community.

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Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning 
Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: Advanced National Diploma // U.S. Soccer ‘B’ or ‘A’ License. 

The overall objective of the National Youth Diploma is to support the coach in the understanding and implementation of developmentally appropriate training protocols. Particular attention is paid to players 11 and under, considering the physical, cognitive and social demands of the game in each child’s context. 

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Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: None. United Soccer Coaches National Diploma or the U.S. Soccer ‘D’ License are suggested
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old to attend

The United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma focuses on coaching the goalkeeper in advanced tactical situations, with an emphasis on linking the GK-Specific Session to the Team Session Progression. The course also introduces GK Curriculum considerations, GK fitness & methodology, video utilization, and developing the GK’s relationship with the team during match situations. 

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Pre-course assignment: Self-guided Learning Modules and Reflections

• Coach Ethics
• Periodization & Fitness Considerations
• Utilization of Video

Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning – 3 – 2 Hour Pre-Course Webinars

• Course Intro & IDP Webinars
• GK Curriculum Development
• GK & Team Management

Testing: Yes
Prerequisites: National Goalkeeper Diploma

The association’s top goalkeeping award, the Premier Goalkeeper Diploma curriculum includes a thorough examination of the goalkeeper’s role in different systems of play, including technical and tactical implications; 11v11 topics, including coaching in the game, phase play, and shadow play; the role of a specialist goalkeeper coach in a staff, working within a team of support staff, goalkeeper specific fitness, advanced mental skills.

Time: 40 Hours of Directed Learning
Prerequisites: Advanced National Diploma

The Director of Coaching Diploma is an applied theoretical educational offering with lecture and interactive classroom sessions. It is designed to address the issues confronting the Director/Leader of an American soccer club/organization. It examines the technical, conceptual, leadership and administrative skills of future and current Directors of Coaching for youth soccer clubs for the purpose of developing the American soccer player. This is accomplished through a curriculum rich in application and theory and will focus on a range of topics that will be drawn from the following list which is not exclusive.

• Organizational structure
• The “business” of Soccer
• Methods of coaching
• Leadership  
• Development of coaches and players
• Fiscal, legal and moral responsibility
• Sports Science

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Time Commitment: 12-14 hours of directed learning
Testing: No
Prerequisites: None

United Soccer Coaches Master Coach Diploma/University of Delaware Master Coach Certificate

This program, offered by the collaboration of United Soccer Coaches and the University of Delaware, is an excellent educational opportunity for coaches seeking growth in their skills and development in their careers. The course focuses on evidence-based management principles and player development to prepare experienced coaches and soccer organizational leaders.

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The only soccer-specific master’s degree in the United States, the Master’s Degree in Soccer Coaching program was developed in partnership with United Soccer Coaches and Ohio University. This program aims to offer candidates a comprehensive understanding and the practical tools for the administrative, health/safety, fitness, player development, and management requirements of coaching, directing and managing soccer players, teams and programs.