INTRODUCTION
Since 1999, over 4,000 coaches have taken part in the New York State West coach education courses. We hope that this trend continues long into the future. Many of our member clubs and organizations now recommend/mandate that their coaches have minimum licensing requirements before being placed with any level of team.
Designed to meet the changing needs of today’s game, the national coaching program creates an environment that immerses coaches in the culture of the game. The four levels of courses that we offer emphasize field instruction in the areas of technique, tactics, and fitness. The courses also offer instruction in methodology, team management, and sport psychology.
New York State West Youth Soccer has created a faculty of highly trained, knowledgeable and courteous instructors, all of which have completed the courses themselves. Instructional courses are held on a regular basis to keep our staff abreast of all current trends.
The US Soccer National Coaching School is recognized as the only licensing body in the USA by soccer’s international governing body - F.I.F.A.
Our objective is to provide all western New York coaches, from the beginner to the experienced, the up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge to ensure that players are provided the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The US Soccer , New York State West Coaches Education Program provides:
- Courses in which candidates can earn nationally certified credentials and take advantage of the recognition inherent in the attainment of various levels of coaching expertise.
- A proven curriculum, which improves the candidates knowledge of the game.
- Valuable information on current coaching trends and international developments in the game.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Certification begins at the state level with the introductory courses, which cover the elementary principles of coaching and prepare interested coaches for the 36-hour National D license.
STATE YOUTH MODULE COURSES
The State Youth Module courses are designed for the parent/coach of under 6, under 8, and under 10 age players. The 4/5 hour courses provide a better understanding of the specific age groups and how to place players in age appropriate activities. Developmental characteristics of the age group are covered. The course consists of 3 hours of practical field work and 2 hours of classroom theory.
There is no testing on this course. No pre-requisites are required. Candidates must be 16 years of age to take the course.
STATE E CERTIFICATION
The State E Certification course is designed for the coach of players that are preparing to or already playing the 11 v 11 game. Focus is on the players aged 12 through 14. Candidates are introduced to the methodology of coaching that is used throughout the National Coaching School Program. The use of small-sided games to teach technique and tactics will be demonstrated. The preparation of lesson plans that progress in a simple to complex fashion is a main focus of the course. Laws of the Game and Team Management are also included in the curriculum. The course is 18 hours in duration and is normally conducted on Friday evenings through Sunday afternoons.
There is no testing on this course, however candidates must be in attendance at all scheduled sessions. No pre-requisites are required, yet one must be 17 years of age to take this course.
NATIONAL AND STATE D LICENSE.
The D License course is the first step in the National Licensing accreditation. The course is designed to prepare, and is a pre-requisite for the National C License. The course focuses on the youth player that is 14 through 18 years of age. Candidates are tested in their understanding of the technical and tactical demands of the game and the developmental process necessary for players in this age group. The course provides an opportunity to further understand the practical coaching methodology and framework necessary to prepare players and a team for competition. The course also covers Team Management and Match Analysis. Candidates are tested in both practical coaching ability and knowledge of the game through theory papers.
The course is 36 hours in duration and normally takes place over two weekends. Applicants must have held the E Certification for 12 months. No waiver of the E License requirement will be granted for this course. Candidates must be 18 years of age to take this course.
This is a Pass/ Fail course. Candidates will either be granted a National D License or deemed to be not ready, and issued a State Certification. Candidates granted a National D License are required to wait 12 months before applying for a C License. Candidates receiving an NR (Not Ready) must be re-tested before upgrading to a National C license. Candidates wishing to be re-tested must contact the State Director of Coaching and attend the second weekend of a scheduled D course. There is a $25 fee for re-testing.
NATIONAL YOUTH AND NATIONAL C LICENSE
New York State West is now recognized by US Youth Soccer and the US Soccer Federation as one of the few state associations with the required level of instructors with the expertise and experience to host both the National C and the National Youth License courses.
We intend to host both on a two-year cycle. This represents a marvelous opportunity for coaches seeking to gain these licenses without the added cost of traveling out of state.
HOSTING A COURSE
If your club or organization would like to host a coaching course, visit the NYSWYSA Website (www.nyswysa.org) to download the appropriate forms. Details of all scheduled courses are listed on the Website. Please click on “Coaching” and then click on “Coaching Courses”.
Alternatively, contact the State Office and our course coordinator will be more than happy to help you.
Candidates who hold a comparable coaching licence from another soccer organization or country may be granted a waiver for the E Certification upon production of complete documentation, review, and approval by NYSWYSA.
