Courses for the National A, B, C and F licenses are hosted by US Soccer. For the most up to date information regarding these licenses and courses, please make sure to visit US Soccer’s website.
Cal North is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway (see image below) consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. Cal North believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires.
From Grassroots to U.S. Soccer B licenses, Cal North continues to lead Northern California with coaching opportunities for all coaches in the game.
Learn about our two coaching pathways to licensure, Grassroots and Pro, both available online and in person to eligible individuals.
If your club is interested in hosting a coaching course for your coaches, feel free to reach out to Joyce Bordley to begin the process.
Eligible coaches wishing to register for a Module/Course will need to log on to the Digital Coaching Center, choose a Module/Course on the list they wish to register for and select that event. Registration should be completed in a timely manner as all courses will now have an “Open for Registration Date” and a “Closed for Registration Date”. Coaches cannot be added as a “walk-in” after the closed date.
Traditional courses are hosted by a group, league or club, and are scheduled through your State Association. All courses will be taught by an approved US Soccer Coaching Instructor. All coaches must register and pay for the In-person course through the DLC.
Course Details:
The 4v4 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 6-8. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this completely virtual course will be guided by a licensed instructor through four (4) hours total of education. Coaches can expect two (2) hours of virtual interaction to discuss the Six Tasks, Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, and Play-Practice-Play Methodology followed by two (2) hours of video analysis (guided by the instructor) of demonstrations of on-field coaching for this specific age group.
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities.
Course Details:
The 4v4 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 6-8. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 4v4 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 6-8. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this course can expect two (2) hours of classroom-based learning with the facilitation of a licensed instructor, followed by two (2) hours of on-field coaching/observation. Coaches must attend both components (classroom & field) of this specific course.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Details:
The 7v7 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 9-10. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this completely virtual course will be guided by a licensed instructor through four (4) hours total of education. Coaches can expect two (2) hours of virtual interaction to discuss the Six Tasks, Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, and Play-Practice-Play Methodology followed by two (2) hours of video analysis (guided by the instructor) of demonstrations of on-field coaching for this specific age group.
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities.
Course Details:
The 7v7 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 9-10. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 7v7 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 9-10. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this course can expect two (2) hours of classroom-based learning with the facilitation of a licensed instructor, followed by two (2) hours of on-field coaching/observation. Coaches must attend both components (classroom & field) of this specific course.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 9v9 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 11-12. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this completely virtual course will be guided by a licensed instructor through four (4) hours total of education. Coaches can expect two (2) hours of virtual interaction to discuss the Six Tasks, Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, and Play-Practice-Play Methodology followed by two (2) hours of video analysis (guided by the instructor) of demonstrations of on-field coaching for this specific age group.
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities.
Course Details:
The 9v9 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 11-12. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 9v9 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 11-12. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this course can expect two (2) hours of classroom-based learning with the facilitation of a licensed instructor, followed by two (2) hours of on-field coaching/observation. Coaches must attend both components (classroom & field) of this specific course.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 11v11 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 13 and older. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this completely virtual course will be guided by a licensed instructor through four (4) hours total of education. Coaches can expect two (2) hours of virtual interaction to discuss the Six Tasks, Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, and Play-Practice-Play Methodology followed by two (2) hours of video analysis (guided by the instructor) of demonstrations of on-field coaching for this specific age group.
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities.
Course Details:
The 11v11 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 13 and older. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to a web-camera/live video capabilities. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Course Details:
The 11v11 In-Person Course is a four-hour course that builds on the principles covered in U.S. Soccer’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. Specifically, coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology, the Six Tasks of a Coach, and the characteristics of players aged 13 and older. The course will also ask each coach to reflect on their experiences to develop action steps for personal growth in the Six Tasks (Coaching Games, Coaching Training Sessions, Leading the Team, Leading the Player, Managing the Performance Environment, and Leadership).
Coaches who take this course can expect two (2) hours of classroom-based learning with the facilitation of a licensed instructor, followed by two (2) hours of on-field coaching/observation. Coaches must attend both components (classroom & field) of this specific course.
Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn
Course Details:
The National D license is a 40 to 45-hour course, held over two meetings with a development period of at least six (6) weeks between the meetings. The course is designed for the grassroots coach working with youth players U6 to U13 in a participation driven environment and focuses on all four game models as outlined in the Player Development Initiatives (4v4 / 7v7 / 9v9 / 11v11).
The goals of the course are to help coaches understand how:
The learning objectives of this course are to facilitate coach improvement in the Six Tasks of a Coach with an emphasis on developing the team and individual players by learning how:
Candidates that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings to be eligible to receive the license.
Course Structure:
First Meeting- Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday
Development Period:
The Development Period is the time in between course meeting one and two (6-8 Weeks). It is vital that candidates have access to a grassroots team during this period so that they can practically apply what they learned during the first course meeting, complete their assignments, and come back
Second Meeting- Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday
Course Details:
The Blended National D license is a 40 to 45-hour course, that begins in late 2020 with an online experience and ends with a one-day on-field component in early 2021. The course is designed for the grassroots coach working with youth players U6 to U13 in a participation driven environment and focuses on all four game models as outlined in the Player Development Initiatives (4v4 / 7v7 / 9v9 / 11v11).
The goals of the course are to help coaches understand how:
The learning objectives of this course are to facilitate coach improvement in the Six Tasks of a Coach with an emphasis on developing the team and individual players by learning how:
Coaches who register for this course can expect weekly learning opportunities that will feature a mixture of independent learning using online modules and live virtual meetings led by a licensed U.S. Soccer Instructor. Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to the internet and a web-camera/live video capabilities. The virtual meetings will take place agreed upon days and times. Coaches may be asked to participate in the field component as either coaches or players, so please come prepared to actively learn.
Candidates that register for this course are expected to attend all course meetings to be eligible to receive the license.
Course Structure:
First Meeting- Virtual
Development Period:
The Development Period is the time in between the initial meeting and the on-field component. The Development Period will consist of weekly learning opportunities that will feature a mixture of independent learning using online modules and live virtual meetings led by a licensed U.S. Soccer Instructor. Coaches will be asked to participate in discussions so each person should have access to the internet and a web-camera/live video capabilities. The virtual meetings will take place agreed upon days and times. It is vital that candidates have access to a grassroots team during this period so that they can practically apply what they learned during the Development Period.
Final Meeting-On-Field Component
Courses for the National A, B, C and F licenses are hosted by US Soccer. For the most up to date information regarding these licenses and courses, please make sure to visit US Soccer’s website.
Click HERE to see list of upcoming & ongoing coaching courses
This free introductory module, which represents the first step in the newly revised coaching license pathway, is now the general starting point of the pathway and is the required prerequisite to undergo any of U.S. Soccer's Grassroots Licensing Courses. Coaches who complete the module will also be provided with four complimentary Play-Practice-Play training sessions.
U.S. Soccer's introductory course on preventing, recognizing and responding to emergency situations. The e-learning module will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
All Cal North Coaches, administrators, board members, league and club board members, and other adult individuals are required to complete training through the US Center for Safe Sport.
Preventing abuse in sport begins with awareness and how to recognize the red flags of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct, and then what to do if abuse does occur. The online SafeSport Trained 90-minute core course covers the following topics in-depth and provide a pre-and post-testing component:
