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.

State Director of Coaching, Glen Buckley, 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:

1. 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.
2. A proven curriculum, which improves the candidates knowledge of the game.
3. 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.  A waiver of the E License requirement may be granted to candidates who meet the waiver criteria (See below).  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.

E CERTIFICATION WAIVER CRITERIA

Candidates requesting a waiver of the E Certification requirement and go directly to a National D License course, must meet ONE of these three conditions:

1. Satisfy BOTH of the following criteria:
   • Have college or professional playing experience (proof by copy of playing contracts, etc.).
   • Have EITHER five years travel coaching experience at the D1, or premier level, OR five years coaching experience at the high school or college level.
2. Successfully complete a D License Assessment session.

   At least 14 days prior to an E Certification course of the candidate’s choice, download a D License Assessment Request Form from the www.nyswysa.org Website and send it to the State Office along with a $25.00 assessment fee.

   The State Director of Coaching will contact the candidate to attend the last day of an E Certification course. The candidate will be given a session topic to present at the course, and will be assessed on his/her coaching ability. If the candidate meets the required levels of competence, the instructor will inform the State Director Of Coaching, who will grant the waiver. The $25 assessment fee will be credited towards the cost of the D License Course, if the candidate successfully completes the assessment.

    

3. Have an NSCAA National Diploma.

Candidates who meet ONE of these conditions will be granted a waiver for the E Certification. This waiver is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. The candidate must take a D License course before the expiration of this 12-month period. The waiver does not give the candidate an E Certification.