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Coaching Education

Illinois Youth Soccer provides:

• A program in which coaches can earn state and national coaching credentials
• A system which improves a coach's knowledge of the game, methodology, and teaching methods
• Valuable information and current coaching trends state-wide, nationally and internationally

Each Coaching Course participants who completes a course, also receives a complimentary gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Philosophy of the Coaching Education Program

To help you gain the most information from the courses, staff coaches teach the essentials of soccer in an optimal and dynamic way.  All candidates participate in field sessions.  Approximately two-thirds of each course is comprised of field sessions and the remaining one-third as lectures.  The intensity of the field sessions is directly related to the level of the course.  The higher the course, the more house required for the field.  

A minimum of 16 participants must be pre-registered for any course at least five days prior to the start of the class; otherwise the course will be canceled.  

FREE Coaching Clinic available to Members

Member organizations can request a FREE Coaches Clinic.  This is offered to both Recreational and Competitive programs affiliated with Illinois Youth Soccer.  These clinics will be structured as an educational resource provided by Director of Coaching or experienced Staff Coach.   The Coaches Clinics can be modified to a specific soccer topic area of training of your choice as well as parent education.  Don't miss out on one of the many benefits our state association offers. 

Coaching Clinic Host Request Form (PDF File) 

Youth Module 1 (Recreational) U6/U8 – Age Specific 3 Hour Course 

COACHING PLAYERS 6-9 YEARS OLD

This course is designed specifically for the U6-U9 coach.  During the three hours of classroom and field instruction, coaches are taught the proper techniques of these age groups.

Topics: 

• Philosophy of coaching U6-U9 and younger players
• Characteristics of U6-U9 and younger
• Team administration and risk management
• Prevention and care of soccer injuries
• Age appropriate activities for U6-U9 and younger players
• Organizing a youth training session

COACHING PLAYERS U10 AND OLDER

This 5-hour course combines field and classroom instruction in intermediate coaching and teaching methodology.  

Topics:

• Methods of Coaching
• Team Administration and Risk Management
• Prevention of Care and Injuries
• Coaching Technique
• Coaching Tactics
• Laws of the Game
• Principles of attack and defense
• Small sided games

A provisional coaching certificate will be issued to all coaches age 16 and under 18 years o age.  All coaches holding the provisional certificate will be required to work with a coach over the age of 18.  

‘E’ License – 18 Hour Course
Introduction course for coaches who are coaching players who play 11 v 11

In this 18 hour course, which is offered in English and Spanish, instruction is focused on refining the players technical skills under game like conditions that incorporate pressure of an opponent and limited time or space.  We refer to this as teaching technique using guided discovery and thew coaches toolkit.  In addition, basic tactics will be taught within technical sessions.  Individual and group tactics are presented in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2 and small-sided games activities.  Basic principles of play such as width, depth, penetration and support are emphasized in this course.  A take home examination is used as an in-class learning tool.  (Click for more info on E course)

‘D’ LICENSE – 36 Hour Course
COACHING PLAYERS 13+ YEARS OLD

This 36 hour course, which is offered in English and Spanish, is designed for the 
coach who has already received ‘E’ License. To prepare coaches by expanding their knowledge and understanding of the Technical and Tactical demands of the game and the developmental process necessary for players. Coaches are exposed to 2 practical coaching evaluations and a final field test. There are written and oral examinations that each coach must successfully complete receive a passing grade for the course. A National Passing grade or State Passing grade is determined by the coaching candiates final examination results. (Click for more info on D course) 

National License Courses

If you currently hold a National 'D' License and have for a minimum of 1 year and would like to attend the 9 day duration national coaching school for the National 'C' License, please contact the Coaching Department at U.S. Soccer, 1801-1811 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616, or call at 312-808-1300 for a brochure. Attendance at national coaching schools is limited and courses do fill up quickly. You can also visit the website at www.ussoccer.com for information and schedule of courses. 

Course Content

All courses include both lecture and participation orientated field sessions.  You will be exposed to modern methods of coaching soccer where principles and methods of coaching are taught to help you prepare for practice sessions and games.  Sessions on tactics will include specific principles and exercises for the development of tactical skills through individual, small group and team tactics.  The field coaching sessions will assist you in developing your players’ technical skills and tactical understanding in progressive, easy to understand exercises and games that motivate your players.  Each state level coaching course has been designed  to provide the aspiring youth coach with the necessary knowledge to improve his players team.

Continuing Education

Knowledgeable coaches are essential to the development of players.  Coaches must keep apprised of the latest techniques, philosophies and tactics.  To maintain credibility, to learn the latest information and to keep up with the players, improve your knowledge by taking advanced and refresher courses.

Hosting a Course

In order to cover the curriculum effectively, the minimum number of participants required for the U6-U8 Youth Module 1, U10-U12 Youth Module 3 courses is fifteen (15), for the ‘E’ Certificate is sixteen (16) and for the ‘D’ License is sixteen (16).  If your club, league or association is interested in hosting a coaching course or obtaining information on coaching courses, please download the application form. *Application to host a Coaching Course

Replacement Certificates/Licenses

To obtain a copy of a misplaced or lost certificate, please send your $25 payment (made payable to Illinois Youth Soccer-CEP) along with course level, course dates (year is fine) and course location to: Illinois Youth Soccer-CEP, Attn: CEP Coordinator, 1655 S. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 201, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HOSTING A COACHING COURSE, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS WITH THE REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT RICK FLORES, DIRECTOR OF COACHING, AT doc@illinoisyouthsoccer.org or MEAGHAN KINSER, COACHING EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT cep@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

Coaching Forms 

• Coaching Education Course Host Request Form
• Coaching Education Clinic Request Form

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