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The coaching of footballers

Coaching is an extremely important part of the sport of football as it enables youngsters to learn all aspects of the game from an early age both in relation to the technique to play the game but also in relation to the conduct of how to play the game – such issues as fair play being an integral aspect of coaching young players.

The requirement for top level coaches

Certain countries which are successful both in terms of the professional league which they administer and the players which the country produce rely heavily on expert coaches developing natural talent in order to play the game at the highest level.

The requirement for coaches to be qualified

Accordingly not just anyone who wishes to coach football is immediately able to do so. There are certain levels of coaching which must be attained before an individual is able to coach at different levels of the sport.

What are the different levels of qualifications for football coaches?

The different levels of qualifications for football coaches are as follows:

• Level One
• Level Two – Certificate in Coaching Football
• Level Three – UEFA B Licence
• Level Four – UEFA A Licence
• Level Five – UEFA Pro License

Level One

Level One is the United Kingdom’s most popular coaching course and is open to anyone over the age of 16 and provides an ideal introduction to coaching. Little prior knowledge or experience is required for this level.

Entry for this course is open entry.

For what would I need a level one qualification?

A level one qualification is useful for local community work and is able to be completed within a few weeks. It is not a mandatory qualification but if an individual feels that they want to start with football coaching it is a good idea to attain at least this level.

Where can I obtain this qualification?

Individuals are able to apply for a course to attain this qualification from county Football Associations.

Individuals can also obtain from a national run course that takes place residentially at approved Football Association centres.

Level Two – Certificate in coaching football

Level 2 is for slightly more experienced coaches. It is still an open entry course but individuals will need to have observed qualified and experienced coaches working with both adults and children.

For what would I need a Level Two qualification?

Individuals with a level two qualification will be able to find work in the local community, with local authorities and with soccer camps in the United States.

How long do I have to complete the course?

Individuals will have two years in which to complete the course but in reality it should take up to six months.

Where can I obtain this qualification?

Individuals can obtain this course from county Football Associations and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Individuals can also obtain from a national run course that takes place residentially at approved Football Association centres.

Level Three – UEFA B Licence

For many coaches completion of the level two course will provide all the skills required to coach at a community level. However, for coaches wishing to coach at the highest level of the game the level three – UEFA B Licence – represents the next step.

For what would I need a Level Three qualification?

Individuals with a level three qualification will be able to find work in Centres of Excellence and Academies.

How long do I have to complete the course?

Individuals have two years in which to complete the course but in reality this can be done within 12-18 months.

Where can I obtain this qualification?

Individuals can obtain this course from county Football Associations and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Individuals can also obtain from a national run course that takes place residentially at approved Football Association centres.

Level Four – UEFA A Licence

For coaches wishing to continue their progression to being able to coach at the highest level of the professional game obtaining the Level Four – UEFA B Licence qualification represents the next step.

For what do I need a Level Four qualification?

Individuals who wish to work as a manager or a coach in the professional game or as a youth academy manager a level four – UEFA B Licence qualification is necessary.

How long do I have in which to complete the process?

It takes most candidates the full two years in which to complete this process.

Where can I obtain this qualification?

Individuals can obtain this course from a national run course that takes place residentially at approved Football Association centres.

Level Five – UEFA Pro Licence

For coaches wishing to continue their progression to being able to coach at the highest level of the professional game obtaining the Level Five – UEFA Pro Licence qualification represents the final step.

For what do I need a Level Five Qualification?

A UEFA Pro Licence is a mandatory qualification for managing in the FA Premier League and UEFA competitions.

A course to obtain a UEFA Pro Licence is by invitation only.

How long will I have in which to complete the course?

Most candidates will complete the course within 12 months.

Where can I obtain this qualification?

Individuals can obtain this course from a national run course that takes place residentially at approved Football Association centres.

Can individuals without a UEFA Pro Licence coach in the FA Premier League?

It is a requirement of many of the top leagues throughout Europe that individuals can only take up a managerial position if they have obtained a UEFA Pro Licence – the FA Premier League is one of these leagues.

However, in certain cases special dispensation has been given to certain managers enabling them to take up their position without having the UEFA Pro Licence on the condition that they obtain it while in the job.

Why is this special dispensation given?

The Premier League only signed up for the requirement for managers to have a UEFA Pro Licence in 2003 and as so is catching up with the rest of Europe.

As a consequence of this some young managers with high potential are able to train for the licence when on the job. However, this position has been met with a lot of criticism from other football managers.

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