The Sport Performance Diploma (SPD) is a 20-hour (12 week) online course geared toward coaches of youth, high school, college, and professional players who want to gain and apply knowledge in the area of high performance. The objective of the SPD is to provide coaches with current performance training methodologies with practical application strategies to incorporate into their respective programs.
Candidates of this course will gain access to sport performance professionals and experiences that will aid them in their development and practical application. The course consists of a combination of online lectures, supported reading material, and a live (virtual) question-and-answer session in the final week of each module with course educators.
The course is broken into four modules. Each module lasts approximately one month. Participants can only progress to the next topic when the previous topic is completed by taking a quiz and/or submitting a reflective statement (formative and summative assessment). The module topics are listed below:
Module 1
Topic 1 - Physiological Demands of the Game
Topic 2 - Long Term Athlete Development
Topic 3 - Soccer Periodization
Zoom #1 - September 18, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm CT
Module 2
Topic 4 - Energy System Development in Soccer
Topic 5 - Speed Development in Soccer
Topic 6 - Speed Endurance Development in Soccer
Zoom #2 - October 9, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm CT
Module 3
Topic 7 - Technology in Soccer
Topic 8 - Field and Laboratory Testing
Topic 9 - Monitoring Tools in Soccer
Zoom #3 - October 30, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm CT
Module 4
Topic 10 - Strength Training
Topic 11 - Power Training
Topic 12 – Nutrition
Zoom #4 - November 20, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm CT
Cost: This course is $450 for United Soccer Coaches members. If you are not a member of United Soccer Coaches when registering you will be charged an additional $150.