Part of the mission of New Jersey Youth Soccer is to provide coaching education to those involved in the game. To accomplish this mission, NJYS offers a complete coaching schools program. You can also find material on line to help you become a better coach.
Coaching Schools Program: The New Jersey Youth Soccer Coaching Schools program is designed to address the needs of the American player and coach. The "F", "E", and "D" courses are state level courses and are taught by the New Jersey Youth Soccer Coaching Schools Staff. A National level "D" is a prerequisite for the National "C" course.
National License Courses: US Soccer conducts week long courses leading to the National "A" license or National "B" license. You can find a listing of the currently schedule courses at US Soccer’s Coaching Education web site.
Online Resources: The Internet provides a wealth of coaching education resources. The Soccer Coaches Mail List provides on going discussion of problems and techniques that the soccer coaches encounters every day. For information about subscribing to this list, click here.
You can also find a detailed online basic coaches manual on line, click here.
"F" Level Coaching License
Cost: $30.00 Time: 9 hours
Recommended for coaching players 6-11 years old.
Required license for all travel team coaches.
Prerequisite: None
The teaching philosophy for this age level is largely devoted to teaching players technique, keeping tactics simple and minimal. The course focuses on methods used in teaching the techniques of dribbling, shooting, passing and receiving, heading, defending, and goalkeeping. Focus is on fun, repetition, and the use of small-sided games. Contains practical first aid and criteria for running a safe and healthy program. The minimum age requirement for taking the F license course is 14 years old. Candidates who take the F license course and are under the age of 18 will not receive a NJYS Coaches Pass until they are 18 years old. They can obtain a Youth Trainers Pass.
F License Schedule
"E" Level Coaching License
Cost: $75.00 Time: 18 hours
Recommended for coaching players 11-14 years old.
Prerequisite: "F" license, waiver granted by NJYS, or NSCAA Regional Diploma
In this age group, the philosophy is devoted to refining the player’s technical abilities under game conditions: match- related exercises, pressure from opponents, limited time and space. Basic tactics are taught at the individual and small group levels (up to 5v5), as well as basic principles of attack and defense: creating space, mobility, width, height, support, team shape, etc. Also, there are sessions on care and prevention of injuries and the laws of the game. Practice sessions are evaluated and candidates must complete a written exam. There is no required waiting period between the "F" and the "E".The minimum age requirement for taking the E license course is 14 years old. Candidates who take the E license course and are under the age of 18 will not receive a NJYS Coaches Pass until they are 18 years old. They can obtain a Youth Trainers Pass.
At the "E" Course, candidates are assessed through written tests AND a practical on the field. All candidates who compete the requirements of the "E" course will be awarded an "E" Certificate/License, however only those candidates receiving a (P)ass on the field assessment will be eligible to enroll in the "D" (after a period of 1 year). Those candidates who do not, will need to be (R)e-evaluated on the field (after a period of 1 year) at a future "E" Course at no cost.
Note: The purpose of the waiting period is to allow those coaches who chose to move on and take the "D", ample time to practice and apply the ideas and information learned in the "E" and previous coaching education courses.
Candidates who wish to enroll in the E License Course should download the Candidate Manual which contains all the Written Self Study Tests that must be completed before they attend the course. Candidates should use the lesson plans and topics in the manual and implement the practices with their teams/players prior to the course.
E License Schedule
"D" Level Coaching License
Cost: $150.00 Time: 36 hours
Recommended for coaching players 14 years and older.
Prerequisite: E license
The philosophy is devoted to simulating game situations for individual and teams to solve. Training takes place at speed, pressure, and functional format. Individual and group tactics are addressed through the concepts of principles of play, was well as systems and styles of play. Methods used to teach tactics, fitness, and technique are addressed. A Candidate must participate during the class and must successfully pass both written exams and practical field exams to obtain the D license. All candidates must pass the field exams to be awarded a "D" license. Candidates who successfully pass all written exams and the field exams will be award the "National Level D License". Candidates who successfully pass all field exams, but fail one of the written exams will be awarded the "State Level D License".
We strongly recommend that coaches prepare for the demands of the "D" course by being in "good" physical condition and reading the U.S. Soccer’s coaching bible, "Soccer: How to Play the Game". The 320-page, full-size, full-color Soccer: How to Play the Game book is available at all fine bookstores, or, can be ordered directly from the U.S. Soccer Federation www.ussoccer.com
Candidates who wish to enroll in the D License Course should download the Candidate Manual which contains all the Written Self Study Tests that must be completed before they attend the course. Candidates should use the lesson plans and topics in the manual and implement the practices with their teams/players prior to the course.
D License Schedule
Course Waiver Policy
NJYS will only grant waivers for the 6 hour Practical Segment of the F License Course. All candidates are required to take the first three hours of the F license course (regardless of background and experience) to satisfy the educational requirements of the Coaches Liability Immunity Law and to be eligible to take the "E" Course.
Individuals may eligible for a waiver based on the following:
1. NSCAA State, Regional or higher level diploma
2. USSF/US Youth Soccer approved course from another State Association
3. Dutch Federation KNVB Youth Diploma or higher level course
4. Union of European Football Associations, UEFA courses
5. English Football Association Coaching Licenses
6. FIFA approved coaching courses
7. Two (2) or more seasons as a professional player in the US
8. Coach or player for collegiate soccer for two (2) or more seasons
9. High School coach for two (2) or more years
A waiver does not imply that any license has been issued, it merely indicates that there is apparent evidence that the coach should be allowed to enroll in a course, which is suited to the level of his/her coaching development.
All requests for waivers must be made in writing to the NJYS Director of Coaching. Click here for a copy of the Waiver Application Form [PDF]. The holder of these diplomas or licenses list above must present copies of documentation showing that they have successfully achieved these awards and that they are currently valid. The fee for the waiver is $15.00. Call the NJYS Office at 609-490-0725 for more information on waivers.
Requesting a Coaching Schools Course
NJYS coaching school courses are available to representatives of affiliated clubs within New Jersey Youth Soccer. Any affiliated club may request to host a course. Full affiliation requires that all players (travel and recreation) are registered with NJYS. Contact the NJYS Office to make basic inquiries about the coaching school program and to schedule a course.
The minimum number of registrants for a course is 20. Courses will not be conducted with less than 20 people in attendance. The maximum number of students is 40. If you have more than 40 prospective students, we will work with you to set up additional courses.
Courses are publicized by NJYS through listings on our website and on our phone message tape at 1-800-8-NJSYSA. For "F" and "E" license courses, a local contact must be established who’s name and phone number can be placed in all publicity vehicles. All "D" license courses will be managed by the NJYS Office. The local host may publicize a course through an informational mailing; however, course information combined with advertising or publicity for commercial ventures (camps, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
Because there are both lecture and practical sessions in every course, a room with comfortable seating and a large chalkboard must be available. Also, either an indoor or outdoor area of sufficient size to conduct activities is required. Recommended indoor facilities are gymnasiums with bleachers. The size of the gym for the "F" course can be similar to those found in an elementary school. For the "E" or "D" course, a middle school or high school gym is suggested. Of course, a soccer field with a good surface is excellent during warmer months. The reservation of a gymnasium to be used in case of inclement weather is necessary. The use of small indoor spaces such as elementary school all purpose rooms is discouraged.
