Nevada Youth Soccer
Coaching Education Program
Thousands of coaches have attended and successfully completed a US Soccer Federation Coaching course since they were first developed in 1971. Regardless of the level of certification or license attempted, the prime objective of the coaching education program is to provide all coaches, from the beginner to the most advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge.
Coaching education begins at the state level with introductory four-hour "Youth Modules" and the 18-hour "E" Certification course. These courses cover elementary principles of coaching and the "E" Certificate prepares interested coaches for the 36-hour "D" License. Successful completion of the "D" course certifies coaches with either a State or National License. Both licenses are non-expiring and are awarded following the completion of both theoretical and practical testing.
Candidates wishing to attend a U.S. Soccer National Coaching School to take the "C" License course must have earned and held a National "D" License for a minimum of 12 months. Those holding a State "D" license may upgrade their State Pass to a National Pass through an upgrade course under the direction of the State Technical Director.
Which Coaching Course Should I Take?
One of the most frequently asked questions for the coaching department at the NYSA office is "Which coaching course should I sign up for?"
An accurate response to this question is largely dependent upon the person asking, and typically requires further information. The questions that need to be answered are:
- What age group are you currently coaching?
- Do you have any coaching licenses?
Many coaches do not realize that the NYSA coaching education program is age-specific. A popular misconception is that the "E" Certificate course should be the first coaching course taken. Many times this is not the case. The "E" Certificate course and the "D" License course are the basic-level and introductory courses, respectively, from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Coaching Education program. As one of the 55 Youth Soccer State Associations, it is our responsibility to deliver these courses on behalf of the USSF. The "D" course is a prerequisite to the "C" License that, in turn, is a prerequisite for the "B" License and ultimately the "A" License. For more information on the USSF and its programs please visit ussoccer.com.
In addition to the "E" and "D" courses, NYSA delivers Youth Module courses. The four-hour Youth Module courses are condensed versions of the National Youth License course, which is administered and instructed by United States Youth Soccer (USYS).
The mission of the National Youth License and State Youth Module courses are to provide the most current and advanced information on growth and development of youth soccer players.
The Youth Module I course is specifically aimed at coaches of players aged U6 thru U8. The Youth Module II course is aimed at coaches of players aged U9 thru U12. There are no prerequisites for a coach to take either of the Youth Module courses or the "E" certificate course. Essentially, a coach who is just getting started with a U13 team and has no coaching experience can go directly to the age-appropriate course (which would be the "E" certificate). However, we do recommend that coaches who have little or no coaching experience begin by taking the Youth Module courses as an introduction to coaching youth players, regardless of what age they will be coaching.
It is a requirement of NYSA that coaches who work with players aged 5-8 take the Youth Module I course and that coaches who work with players aged 9-12 take the Youth Module II. Additionally, NYSA requires that any coach who travels out of state with a U10 or younger team must obtain the "E" Certificate, and any coach who travels or participates in State Cup with a competitive team U11 and older needs to obtain a "D" License.
For more information on any of these courses, including minimum requirements, topics covered, age-specific recommendations and registration information, visit the Coaches Corner page of usysnv.net.
