Competitive Coaching

Coach Development

For the individuals looking to get involved in coaching (either at the recreational or competitive level), there are a few courses that may be of interest to you:

  1. Active Start (U4 - U5) - online modules + a 3-hour in person practical focused on engaging children in soccer and physical literacy. More information here.
  2. Fundamentals (U6 - U8) - online modules + a 4-hour in person practical that builds upon Active Start. It focuses on the ABC's of physical literacy, teaching children the game and importance of communication. More information here.
  3. Learn to Train (U9 - U12) - online modules + a 6-hour in person practical that builds on the technical and tactical side of soccer, with a focus on small-sided games. More information here.
  4. Soccer for Life (U13+) - online modules + a 6-hour in person practical that emphasizes the technical and tactical side of the game in an 11v11 format. More information here.

Below is the guide on how to register for grassroots courses (hosted by NSC)

Grassroots Registration Guide

As well as the courses above, all coaches in a competitive environment must also complete the following:

  1. Making Ethical Decisions - A 4-hour course that will provide you with tools to handle the ethical dilemma's that coaches can face with confidence. More information here.
  2. Respect in Sport - A 2.5-hour online course that focuses on creating a safe, healthy and positive environment for children in soccer. More information here.
  3. Making Headway - A free online course that will educate you on the signs, symptoms and procedures when dealing with a concussion in sport. More information here.
  4. Laws of the Game (LOTG) - A 2.5-hour workshop that addresses and explains all aspects of the LOTG that may be vague or misunderstood by players, coaches, administrators, and parents. More information here.

PLEASE NOTE: Courses such as the MED, Respect in Sport, Making Headway, LOTG...etc are NOT pre-requisite courses for the grassroots courses mentioned above. They are necessary if a coach wants to coach in the competitive stream but are separate from the Canada Soccer Grassroots courses. 

Licensing Programs

For those looking at coaching at a more competitive level, the below are the courses offered through the Licensing Streams (Senior, Youth, Children's):

Requirement for All: C-Licence - 4-day in-class course, which requires completion of developmental courses prior to acceptance. More information here.

Senior Performance Stream (Coaching Players 18+): B-Licence - 7-day residential course with a series of on-field and classroom sessions. More information here. A Licence - Week-long residential course offered throughout Canada. More information here.


Youth Development Stream (Coaching Players 5-12; A-Licence Equivalent): Children's Licence - a 9-day course featuring in-person workshops, online modules and video evaluations. More information here.