US Club Soccer launched its Innovate to Grow program, Coach Education for Current & Former Players, in collaboration with NorCal Premier Soccer and SOCAL Soccer League, spanning 2022-2024. The program included a fully funded U.S. Soccer grassroots coach licensing pathway that ignited a passion for coaching to current players and former players who were new to coaching and between the ages of 18-30.
What was the Coach Education for Current & Former Players Program?
US Club Soccer strongly believes in U.S. Soccer’s philosophy that education is a journey, and our goal is always to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires.
One demographic that is often under-represented in coach education are current players, specifically in the high school to college/post-college age group. Many former players have a passion and love for the game but lack the mentoring or resources to begin formal coach education.
US Club Soccer believes that to start the “journey” of education, coaches must be able to ignite their passion for coaching at a young age and have low or no barriers of entry.
Who Qualified for the Program?
To be considered for funding from this program, current and former players met the following criteria:
- Current or former player;
- Ages 18 – 30 years old;
- Beginning their coaching journey;
- Registering for a U.S. Soccer Grassroots or ‘D’ License hosted by US Club Soccer and NorCal Premier Soccer or SOCAL Soccer League;
- Eligible for the course based on U.S. Soccer’s eligibility requirements for the selected license.
Content Overview
For Grassroots licenses, courses are tailored around the four new grassroots game models: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11. These course options help coaches learn more about how to develop a player-centered approach. Coaches learn about U.S. Soccer’s coaching education philosophy, play-practice-play methodology and the six tasks of a grassroots coach, amongst other topics.
In addition to the grassroots game models, coaches may also continue their coaching journey to the ‘D’ License. Coaches learn to create environments that are inclusive, fun, and safe for children (ages U6-U12) promoting their love for the game. Additionally, coaches learn how to effectively plan training sessions using developmentally appropriate activities, as well as understanding individual player development.
What is Innovate to Grow?
The Innovate to Grow Fund was established in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets.
To be considered for grant funding, members’ proposed programs are required to meet certain criteria as part of a comprehensive application process. More information and requirements are available on ussoccer.org.
