
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 (FIFA).
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.
New York State West Coaching Staff
- Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director
- Dave Kreger, NYSWYSA Lead Coach Educator
- Email: coachinged@nyswysa.org
Basic Coaching Course Information
Coaching Course Resources
- If you have any questions regarding any coaching courses, or if you need more information, please contact Dave Kreger at coachinged@nyswysa.org.
- US Soccer Learning Center
Full Coaching Course Descriptions
NYSWYSA Scheduled Courses
If you would like to host a course or have questions regarding our coaching education program, please contact the Coaching Education Department at coachinged@nyswysa.org.
Please be sure you have a valid risk management pass from NYSWYSA or any US Youth Soccer state association (IE. ENY, EPA, PAW, etc). No coach will be permitted into a NYSWYSA coaching course without a valid background check administered through a USYS state association’s risk management process. The NYSWYSA risk management process takes approximately two weeks to complete.
Refund Policy: Full payment is required at registration. There is not a 100% refund once you have registered for the course. Within two weeks of the course, NYSW Coach Education will look to enter the candidate in another upcoming course in NYSW. Within one week of the course, no refund will be given, unless special circumstances are communicated to NYSW Coach Education.
Grassroots Courses
New Coaches to the US Soccer Learning Center: Please insure you follow these steps in order to be able to register for any US Soccer Coaching Education Grassroots Courses.
- Step 1: Create a free account at the US Soccer Learning Center.
- Step 2: Please register your information and watch the Introductory Video on the DLC under your new account.
- Step 3: Pick a course below and register for that course.
Fees for Grassroots Coaching Courses (Effective 8/1/23)
- In-Person Grass Roots Licenses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11): $85.00
- In-Person D License Course: $375.00
- In-Person C License Course: $1,800.00
- NYSW State Level Coaching Certificate: $75.00
All of the above fees include the required US Soccer Fees.
Risk Management for NYSWYSA Coaching Courses
Risk Management / Background Check Requirement:
Before going any further, please be sure you have a valid risk management status from NYSWYSA or any US Youth Soccer state association (i.e. ENY, EPA, PAW, etc.) and read the directions below.
Coaches will “NOT” be permitted into a NYSWYSA coaching course without a valid background check administered through an APPROVED USYS state association risk management process.
The NYSWYSA risk management process includes a background check (typically 3-5 days for approval), SafeSport Training (2.5 Hours for Core Training or 15-20 mins for Refresher, dependent on previous completion) and USSF Intro to Safety (15-20 minutes). Make sure to take these time frames into consideration when registering for the course.
- If you are currently coaching with a NYSWYSA club, please contact your club registrar or risk management coordinator to obtain instructions on applying for or updating your risk management credentials.
- If you are not currently coaching with a NYSWYSA club and/or live outside the NYSWYSA region, please email riskmanagement@nyswysa.org and request instructions to apply for an risk management processing. Include details regarding the course you are registering for including proof or any risk management status you hold with another association. The risk management registration link and user instructions will be provided upon request.
We highly recommend that candidates obtain a valid risk management status approved by NYSWYSA prior to registering for a course. While candidates will not be prevented from registering for a course without risk management clearance, they will be placed on a waiting list. Wait-listed candidates are not guaranteed a place in the course until proof of clearance is provided. Courses will be closed out once the maximum class limit has been reached. Candidates with risk management clearance take precedent over wait-listed candidates (i.e. it is possible for a waitlisted candidate whose risk management status is pending to be closed out of a course while they are waiting for clearance).