The National Diploma is the foundational course offered by United Soccer Coaches, aimed at coaches who desire to improve their technical and tactical knowledge of soccer. This diploma focuses on the following areas:
- Technical and Tactical Knowledge: Coaches learn about the essential technical skills and tactical strategies that are necessary for effective coaching. This includes understanding principles of play and how to teach these concepts to players.
- Psychological & Physical Pillars: The diploma addresses the psychological aspects of coaching that include creating a positive and challenging learning environment, team dynamics as well as understanding physical demands placed upon players during training and matches.
- Training Methodologies: Coaches will be introduced to various training methodologies including progressive session design and coaching in the game in order to enhance their coaching capacity.
- Instructor led training sessions, feedback provided to coaches based on training session they produce and deliver.
- Better Coaching = Better Players
In the blended format, coaches will complete the course in three (3) phases:
- Phase 1: Asynchronous Learning- This includes 7.5 hours of videos for review with journaling
- Phase 2: Virtual Meetings- Interact with your instructors and candidates in structured learning activities combined with Phase I content.
- Online Call #1 - Sunday, November 9 / 6:30 to 8:30pm PST
- Online Call #2 - Sunday, November 16 / 6:30 to 8:30pm PST
- Phase 3: In-Person Weekend Friday, December 5 (9:30am) to Sunday, December 7 (1:00pm) One weekend of in-person sessions will provide hands-on instruction demonstration and assessment. All field assessments will be done during the in-person weekend.
Time Commitment: 40 hours of class between the three phases
Assessment: Yes
Prerequisites: Suggested Advanced Regional Diploma, 4v4 - 11v11 Grassroots or Equivalent.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old to attend
Course Pricing: $875 for United Soccer Coaches Members; $975 for non-members
Sample Course Schedule: CLICK HERE
Lodging: Lodging is NOT provided for this course.
Meals: Meals are NOT provided for this course. Coaches will be responsible for all meals during this course.
Travel: Please do not make any travel arrangements until you receive written notice from the United Soccer Coaches National Office that the course has reached minimum numbers. We will let you know as soon as possible.
Airport: SeaTac (Seattle)
Waiver: Please CLICK HERE to read the United Soccer Coaches course waiver.
Refund Policy: Please CLICK HERE to read the United Soccer Coaches course refund policy.
Educators: Dave Simeone, Erik Oman