U.S. Soccer Announces Coaching Grassroots Pathway Initiative

North Texas Soccer Coaching Resource Center
Whether you are brand new to coaching a seasoned veteran, North Texas Soccer's Coaching Resource Center provides games, drills and lesson plans for teams of all ages.

North Texas Soccer Coaching Education Program
The North Texas State Soccer Association (NTSSA) Coaching Education program includes National License courses designed by the U.S. Soccer Federation and courses designed by US Youth Soccer.

Purpose
The NTSSA Coaching Education Program will enhance the experience of, and opportunities for, NTSSA players, coaches and parents.

Program
The program provides up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge so that coaches can ensure that players develop to their full potential.

The program recommends license options for coaches at various levels of play.  While licensing is not mandated by NTSSA, the program provides guidelines for those individuals working with our players.

Applicability
The NTSSA Coaching Education Program is designed for our numerous volunteers in the following categories.  
   1. Coach
   2. Assistant Coach
   3. Team Manager

However, this does not exclude parents and players from taking part in the education process.

Recommendations/Guidelines
Coaches of recreational teams that include players younger than 13 years old should hold a National F License.
Coaches of recreational teams that include players between the ages of 13-19 should hold a National E License.
Coaches of competitive teams should hold a National D License.
Coaches of competitive teams participating at the highest levels of play (Premier League, LHGCL, Classic League, etc.) should hold at least a National C License. Ideally, these coaches should hold a National B License.

Courses
The following courses are available through the NTSSA Coaching Education Program.
Please visit the Scheduled Coaching Courses page for information on upcoming courses for the following licenses.

U.S. Soccer Grassroots Courses
The National E License course is an 18-hour course which covers the elementary principles of coaching and prepares interested coaches for the National D License course.

U.S. Soccer National "D" License
The National D License course is a 36 to 40-hour course designed for the experienced coach who has already earned a National E License. The focus of this course is to improve a coach's ability to positively influence individual players and teams.

U.S. Soccer National "C" License
The National "C" License course is designed to introduce concepts that are targeted toward coaching players ages 15-18. The course focus is on getting coaches to think about, discuss, and recognize the recurring concepts or themes that exist in soccer. Candidates will be challenged to find ways to offer constructive guidance to players while also allowing players to experience the game for themselves.

US Youth Soccer National Youth Coaching Course
The National Youth Coaching Course is designed to provide club directors of coaching, youth coaches, physical education teachers, and soccer administrators with the knowledge to successfully structure soccer environments for children aged 4-12.