How to Become a Soccer Coach

Soccer has gained popularity in the U.S. over the last few years. While coaching basketball and baseball has always been trendy, more and more people are now getting interested in the idea of coaching soccer, either as a hobby or a profession.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the official website of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) to learn the regulations for your particular state (see Resources below). The website also offers links to all the recognized certifications available, from national diplomas to regional certifications to youth or high school coaching diplomas.

2. Play the sport. Make sure you understand the rules perfectly and have hands-on knowledge of what it involves, both in and out of the field. Either join a league or make sure you watch games regularly so it becomes second nature to you.

3. Volunteer as a Little League soccer coach. You can do so at local clubs, churches or schools. If you are under 25, you may be able to become a sports counselor at a summer camp where soccer is taught and practiced. Experience goes a long way in youth soccer and you should be able to get your certification much quicker if you can prove that you have previous knowledge of the sport.

4. Take the official exam offered by the NSCAA or other similar organization. Depending on what type of soccer you want to coach (youth or adult) and at what level (amateur, school, professional), there are different certifications available. Most consist of a workshop (average of 50 class hours), a written examination and a practical demonstration of certain activities and planning skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Soccer coaching workshops and certifications are held over the summer or in locations where the weather is warm year-round. You may need to travel in order to attend classes.

Resources

• National Soccer Coaches Association of America for courses and information on how to become a certified soccer coach