Education » 

Premier Diploma

“All the facilitators did a great job. Paul and Dave are very professional good at what they do however, the information and insight you provided – both on and off the field – will be invaluable as I begin utilizing the techniques and strategies I learned from the course.” 

Mike Dalakis, 2019 Candidate

“Great networking & learning from staff/peers, while being pushed to think outside the box! Such a privilege to learn and grow in such a great environment!”

Collin Cone, 2019 Candidate

Earn Your Premier 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.

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 Premier Diploma is top technical award of United Soccer Coaches education. The course content 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 his/her community.

Time Commitment: 40 hours of directed learning
Testing: Yes, NEW FOR 2020: Virtual assessment
Prerequisites: Advanced National Diploma, U.S. Soccer ‘B’ or ‘A’ License.

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.