National Youth Diploma
You can now earn your National Youth Diploma in our new blended format
United Soccer Coaches’ advanced diplomas have long been regarded as an excellent way to expand your coaching knowledge, advance your career, and improve your players’ development. And now, with our newest blended format, coaches with ever-demanding schedules can earn their diploma in the most time-friendly way possible while maintaining the integrity of these highly regarded courses.
“I absolutely loved the course last week. My goal for the week was to sharpen up on the material I knew and really get into the details of coaching the younger ages. I feel I got that 100%…I found every presentation to be useful, and was always engaged.”
“I’ve enjoyed the class and I would recommend it to all my coaching peers, the material was well presented and very engaging.”
Online Resources
Upon Registration, you will receive access to online content within a few days to begin your course. Watch sessions and lessons from some of the best coaches in America.
In-Person
One weekend of in-person sessions delivered in a local environment will provide for hands-on instruction and demonstration.
Virtual Classrooms
Cohorts will be created and scheduled to participate in a series of virtual classroom sessions. Interact with instructors & peers as you learn and share experiences.
Video Assessment
Complete your course by submitting a video of your session with your players in your environment to be assessed by your coaching peers.
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. The course includes sessions in the classroom and on the field with peers and age-appropriate children.
Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes, Virtual Assessment*
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.
*Virtual Assessment: United Soccer Coaches advanced diploma coach assessment will be done by video.
After the in-person portion of the courses, coaches will return to their coaching environment to develop the ideas of the course with their players. When the coach is ready they upload a 20-minute video of them coaching their athletes to an online platform provided by United Soccer Coaches. They also upload a lesson plan and a “peer to peer” assessment.
United Soccer Coaches staff review the plan and video and tag up moments from the session to give feedback to the coach. The coach may then watch clips of their session with assessment notes. Upon completion of the assessment, the coach receives a written summary of their coaching session and their diploma.
Advanced Diplomas
Coaching Courses
Sam Snow
Past National Youth Instructor