Covid-19 continues to have a profound effect on our world, with all aspects of life changing in some way and adjusting to a new “normal”. Many of you have had to deal with difficult changes that alter what you all love to do, pass on your love of soccer to your players so that you can grow and improve the game. At United Soccer Coaches, we remain committed to standing by you and supporting your coaching journey. We’re making changes and working hard to continue to offer new and valuable opportunities.   

The United Soccer Coaches Foundation, supported by the association’s Board of Directors, is proud to offer the Foundation Membership Support program. Through the program, United Soccer Coaches members who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of the pandemic can apply for assistance to pay their membership dues for the coming year.

The Education team has been busy creating more innovative online content for you to explore during your time away from the field. Advanced Diplomas have moved into a new blended format, providing elevated education at your convenience. Three Coaching Development Diplomas are now offered online and the association is working to bring the High School Diploma and the Sport Performance diplomas online as well. In addition, United Soccer Coaches continues to offer most eLearning courses free to you as a member and all coaches can watch recordings of the Coaching Through COVIDKeepers, and Beyond the Lines web series on the website anytime. Match Day webinars are still presenting fresh coaching content weekdays with Ian Barker and Vince Ganzberg. 

While we continue to deliver useful content, services and other benefits to members, the association is not immune to the effects of the pandemic. Some changes are being made to operations to ensure the wellbeing and longevity of the association as we navigate the economic challenges of our industry. Please note a couple of small changes that will affect your membership in the coming months.

You have recently received the Preseason Edition of the Soccer Journal; the popular issue full of activities and lesson plans for the season ahead. Normally, just a few weeks later you would also receive the September/October issue of the Soccer Journal, however, this year that issue will only be delivered digitally. With the November/December issue you will again receive Soccer Journal in print. We understand that the Journal is a valued part of your membership, so it is important that you continue to receive this crucial coaching content.

The second change to note is that the National Office will be closed on Fridays through the fall. All calls made to (816) 471-1941 or emails sent to membership@unitedsoccercoaches.org on Thursdays after 5 p.m. may not receive a response until 9 a.m. on Monday at the earliest. Please allow for a longer response time for requests made outside of our new operating hours.

We are all learning and exploring the new soccer environment together, but United Soccer Coaches will continue to serve you, the members, to the best of our abilities whether that is in-person or online. There are many things to look forward to in the coming months including the very first Digital Convention and the full awards and rankings programs spotlighting the best in our game, regardless of when you play. There is strength in numbers and while the game plan may change, the game never does. Stay well and stay excited for what is next to come from your coaching home, United Soccer Coaches.

All the best,

Kevin Sims Lynn Berling-Manuel
President CEO