A Diploma

Canada Soccer A Diploma

Description:

The A Diploma continues to develop and refine the student coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching senior players in a performance environment.

Target Coach:

The A Diploma was designed for those coaching College, University and/or Professional players. Priority acceptance will be given to those actively coaching in those environments.

Pre-Requisite:

  • Valid Canadian B Licence or approved International Equivalent
  • Currently coaching a senior team
  • Valid Criminal Record Check

Start Date:

6/28/2023

Course Duration:

12 months

Learning Environment:

  • 2 x 4.5 days
  • in-person (classroom & field)
  • Independent Online Learning (asynchronous)
  • Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous)
  • Collaborative Group Learning (mentor supported)

Please note, coaches must attend the in-person sessions:

June 28 – July 2, 2023 (Ontario) & January 17 – 21, 2024 (BC)

Course Content

  • Applying a Coaching Philosophy to the Performance Environment
  • Transformational Leadership & Coaching
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Designing and managing an annual plan
  • Working effectively with staff in a performance environment
  • Game & Training Model Refinement
  • Safe sport on and off the field
  • Analyzing team and opposition performance
  • Designing and delivering advanced training sessions
  • Using technology to facilitate learning
  • Effective communication and presentation skills
  • Laws of the Game

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the A Diploma, the coach will be able to demonstrate the competencies associated with coaching and managing senior players in a performance environment, including designing, delivering and reflecting on all aspects of on and off field activities.

Assessment Tools:

Coaches will be assessed throughout the course using the following tools:

1. Personal Development Plan

2. Reflection Journal

3. Practice Session Logbook

4. Baseline Practical Coaching Video

5. Capping Project

Course Schedule:

Coaches will receive a detailed course schedule upon successful admission into the A Diploma.

Licence Validity:

Upon successful completion of the A Diploma, the coach will receive a coaching licence valid for three (3) years. The licence may be maintained by following the Canada Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process.

Admission Process:

Applications will be accepted from October 3, 2022 to November 30, 2022. After that date, the applications will be reviewed, with the preferred candidates being offered a place on the course by January 31, 2023. Selected candidates will have thirty (30) days to accept their place on the course and pay the course fee in full. If a selected candidate rejects their place on the course, it will be offered to the next suitable candidate.

Course Fee: $4,000

Course Fees Include: Canada Soccer branded Nike equipment (not including boots and trainers); a 12 month subscription to Practices Session Planning software; in-person classroom and field rentals; tools used to deliver the in-person, online asynchronous, and online synchronous sessions; and coach developer support throughout the course.

Additional Fees:

Coaches will be required to cover the costs of travel, accommodations, and meals when attending the in-person sessions. Any costs associated with video recording of practical coaching sessions will be at the coach’s expense.