Though the NSCAA and USSF offerings differ in philosophy and intensity, both provide solid, well-developed curriculums.
The most basic level courses--called F, E, and D licenses--are provided by USSF-affiliated state soccer associations. The F course (the most basic) is aimed at novice coaches of players between 6 and 14, while E and D courses are more appropriate for coaches of U-14 on up. The USSF also offers national C, B, and A licenses for coaches of high-level players, from adolescence through professional.
Tailored for Youth
Several years ago, the USSF recognized the need to design courses specifically for coaches of players 12 and under, who comprise 70% of all U.S. Youth Soccer Association members. Under the direction of Dr. Tom Fleck, former director of coaching for the Florida Youth Soccer Association, and Ron Quinn, a former elementary school physical education teacher and now women's coach at Xavier University, the USSF designed a National Youth License course based on the principles of child development.
The idea, Quinn says, is to teach "age-appropriate coaching that will bring the game out of the child rather than impose structure on kids from the top." For example, instead of two-line passing drills or dribbling through cones, the course shows coaches how to create running, chasing, and dodging games that develop passing and dribbling skills.
The point is not to show coaches how to win games, but to provide age-appropriate development games and activities.
Fleck and Quinn, who helped design the USSF National Youth License course, were also instrumental in developing the NSCAA Youth Diploma program. It builds on the NSCAA's five-hour state diploma course.
However, the NSCAA Youth Diploma Course is not broken down into two-year age groups, the way the USSF does it. It is only four days long, with two days on 5-8-year-olds and two more on 9-12's.
The NSCAA also differs from the USSF National Youth License course in that it does not test candidates or give grades. "The NSCAA course stresses low anxiety and low stress," says Parsons. "That makes it easier for coaches to get out and try things themselves."
Parsons notes that the NSCAA Youth Diploma is aimed at two groups: "The revolving door of youth coaches who come in because of their kids and the people who have coached a while, but don't necessarily know the difference between age groups."
It also attracts youth club directors hoping to learn more about player development.
"The major differences between the NSCAA and USSF national youth courses," states Parsons, "is that the USSF seems more theory-based. It talks less in the classroom about child development and child psychology And because ours is not broken down into two-year increments, it's a little broader in scope."
Many of the games taught in the two courses are similar. After all, Fleck and Quinn helped develop both!
Hope this helps.
