Youth Diploma

Canada Soccer Youth Diploma

Description:

The Youth Diploma prepares the student coach to meet the demands of coaching players 13-17 years of age in a development environment.

Target Coach:

The Youth Diploma was designed for those coaching U13 to U17 teams competing in standards based leagues. Priority acceptance will be given to those actively coaching in those environments.

Pre-Requisite:

• Valid Canadian C Licence or approved International Equivalent,
• Currently coaching a U13 – U17 team,
• Valid Criminal Record Check

Start Date:

East Group (Ontario): September 7-10, 2023 & May 2-5, 2024

West Group (BC or Alberta): September 14-17, 2023 & May 9-12, 2024

Course Duration:

12 months

Learning Environment:

• 2 x 3.5 days, in-person (classroom & field),
• Independent Online Learning (asynchronous),
• Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous),
• Collaborative Group Learning (mentor supported),

Please note, the course is split into EAST and WEST groups. Coaches must attend both of the in-person sessions for their group.

West Group (BC or Alberta): September 14-17, 2023 & May 2-5, 2024

East Group (Ontario): September 7-10, 2023 & May 9-12, 2024

Course Content

• Developing a Coaching Philosophy for the Development Environment,
• Transformational Leadership & Coaching,
• Mental Health & Wellbeing,
• Physical, Cognitive and Social-Emotional development of youth;
• Designing and managing a seasonal plan,
• Game & Training Model Development,
• Safe sport on and off the field,
• Analysing individual performance and basic match analysis,
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of all playing positions,
• Analysing the performance and development of youth players,
• Understanding individual and team tactical strategies for youth players,
• Designing and delivering effective training sessions,
• Using technology to facilitate learning,
• Effective communication and presentation skills,
• Laws of the Game

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Youth Diploma, the coach will be able to demonstrate the competencies associated with coaching and managing youth players in a development 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 Youth Diploma.

Licence Validity:

Upon successful completion of the Youth 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: $3,000

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.