SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Club Soccer & ODP Certification/Licensing

I'm just getting started in coaching and am coming to the realization that to really get any good experience with working with clubs/other coaches/schools/academies I'm going to need to look into getting certified and licensed. I'm not sure where to go for information on workshops, clinics and so forth that offer testing and instruction. Also, my summer schedule is odd since I'll be in Vermont until the 12th or so of August.

Could someone post back or message me with tips/suggestions (particularly if you're in the Rock Hill area)?

Good news and bad news...

There's a list of certification courses at http://www.scysa.org/

but it looks like the only ones in your area are while you'll be out of town...

I'm not really picky about traveling. Thanks.

Check out www.ussoccer.com and www.nscaa.com and look for coaching education links. USSF courses are your traditional "licenses," while the NSCAA offers "diplomas." Most are recognized and valued by all clubs/acadamies, etc.. These courses are a valuable resourse (I hold the advanced national from the NSCAA and loved the courses)...plus you get to meet, interact and network with coaches at all different levels. There is actually an NSCAA course going on at Wofford this week...not that that helps you. But, they have held courses every summer in Spartanburg for the past three years...and with Coach Polson the new Secretary for the NSCAA, I would expect that to continue. Also, both groups offer courses all over the US at different times of the year, so you might find one closer to where you are this summer.

You can start small with the 'D' license from most states:

Check www.scysa.org

Coaching Certification Courses
E Certification
Dates: June 28 and 29, 2008
Times: 8:30AM-5:30PM Both Days
Location: Nations Ford High School
1400 Jones Blvd.
Forth Mill, S.C. 29715
Cost: $60
Contact: Bryan Mogford bmogford@carolina.rr.com

E Certification Coaching Course
Dates: July 18-20, 2008
Times: Friday July 18 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday July 19 8:30am-5pm
Sunday July 20 1:00-5:00pm
Cost: $60
Location:Ballentine Park-Field Sessions/ Nelson Mullins Building 17th Floor Downtown Columbia
Contact: Gregg Vallee 803-556-0382 gvallee@truvista.net

D License Coaching Course
Dates: July 18-20 and 25-27, 2008
Times: Friday July 18 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday July 19 8:30am-5:00pm
Sunday July 20 1:00-5:00PM
(Same time schedule both weekends)
Cost: $125
Location: Ballentine Park- Field Sessions/ Classroom Sessions Nelson Mullins Building 17th Floor Downtown Columbia
Contact: Gregg Vallee 803-556-0382 gvallee@truvista.net

D License course
Dates: July 25-27 and August 1-3, 2008
Times: Friday July 25th and August 1st 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday July 26th and August 2nd 8:30am-5:00pm
Sunday July 27th and August 3rd 1:00-5:00pm
(Same schedule for both weekends)
Location: Jones Center 391 Egypt Road,Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464
Cost: $125
Contact: Jeremy Aven 843-884-2528 or javen@townofmountpleasant.com


E License course
Dates: September 12-14, 2008
Times: Friday September 12th 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday September 13th 8:30am-5:00pm
Sunday September 14th 1:00-5:00pm
Cost: $60
Location: Jones Center 391 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464
Contact: Jeremy Aven 843-884-2528 or javen@townofmountpleasant.com

Just to give more on what has been shared...the licenses and diplomas are equal to each other; a USSF B equals a NSCAA advanced diploma; it depends what you are looking for as a coach..the ussf is player based teaching, and if you go beyond a D license they will grade you on your playing ability as well as coaching (unless they changed it); nscaa is more coaching philosophy based...i have taken both and have always gotten something out of all the courses on each side; the instructors are knowledgeable and will answer any questions..the networking is great too as mentioned above...i think the nscaa though offers more opportunities to get licenses than the ussf and more diverse topics...the nscaa convention is great to go to too-in january; what you can learn by top notch coaches is great and it is so much fun-they do a great job putting it on!!!

I have just completed the Advanced National Course that was offered at Wofford College. It was one of the most physically and mentally demanding weekends I have been a part of given the temperature this last week. The new friends and knowledge I have gained, is something that I will not forget for a long time. We had candidates all the way from California, Cayman Islands, Louisiana, New York, Florida, and places in between. I would highly recommend the course for someone who is looking to take their coaching knowledge to a higher level.