Whether you are a beginning parent coach or an elite level travel team coach, Illinois Youth Soccer provides the latest US Soccer certification and licensing coaching courses in English and Spanish. US Soccer licensed instructors provide the latest coaching information, techniques and tools to help you handle the challenges of coaching in a fun, learning experience. Clinics are taught by top US Soccer-licensed instructors and participants can earn a US Soccer U8, U10, U12 Youth Module certificate, an ‘E’ license, and state or national ‘D’ coaching license.
Thousands of coaches have attended Illinois Youth Soccer licensing courses. The objective of the coaching licensing curriculum is to provide all soccer coaches, from the beginning to the advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge, so that coaches in Illinois can help ensure that players develop towards their fullest potential.
Designed to meet the needs of today’s modern youth soccer coach, Illinois has established a comprehensive Coaching Education Program that offers a U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) approved curriculum of courses for the "Youth Module", New USSF "E" License Course, and New USSF "D" License Course.
More information on US Soccer and Curriculums (Click here)
Introduction
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
All Courses are taught by Illinois Youth Soccer State Staff Coaches who are USSF certified and currently hold a "C", "B", or "A" coaching license. All Youth Module instructors have the National Youth License. All courses must be scheduled through the Illinois Youth Soccer office. We will update list of courses as they are scheduled on the website.
Each Coaching Course participants who completes a course, receives a complimentary gift certificate from Dick’s Sporting Goods, official sponsor of Illinois Youth Soccer Coaching Education.
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 will 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 are directly related to the level of the course. The higher the course level, the more hours required for the field.
A minimum of 15 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
IYSA affiliated 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 the Director of Coaching or an 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.
Free Coaching Clinic Host Request Form
Want to host a USSF D or E or Youth Module Coaching Course?
If your club or program is interested in hosting a coaching course for the convenience of your coaching staff fill out the below host form. The minimum number of coaches who would need to be registered for the course to be a go within a week of start would be sixteen (16).
Coaching Education Request Host Form
Youth Module 1 (Recreational) – Age Specific 3 Hour Course
COACHING PLAYERS 8-YEARS-OLD AND UNDER
This course is designed specifically for the 8-years-old and under coach. During the three hours of classroom and field instruction, coaches are taught the proper techniques of these age groups.
Topics:
- Philosophy of coaching 8-years-old and younger players
- Characteristics of 8-year-old and younger
- Team administration and risk management
- Prevention and care of soccer injuries
- Age appropriate activities for 8-years-old and younger players
- Organizing a youth training session
Prerequisites and Course Length:
- An open mind
- Minimum age - 16 years old
- 1 hour classroom
- 2 hours field
- No Testing
- Cost $85.00 (Course fees are non-refundable)
Youth Module 2 (Recreational) – Age Specific 5 Hour Course
COACHING PLAYERS 9-12 YEARS OLD
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
Prerequisites and Course Length:
- An open mind
- Minimum age - 16 years old
- 2 hours classroom
- 3 hours field
- No Testing
- Cost $85.00 (Course fees are non-refundable)
USSF ‘E’ License – 18 Hour Course
Introduction course for coaches who are coaching players who play 9 v 9
In this 18 hour course ($175), 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. You will be required to do onlineconcussion and laws of the game exams. Once registered you will receive an emaiil a week prior to the start of the course with links to these assignments. (Click for more info on E course)
USSF ‘D’ License – 36 Hour Course
Coaching Players 13+ who play 11 v 11
This 36 hour course ($225), which is offered in English and Spanish, is designed for the coach who has already received an ‘E’ License. The "D" License prepares 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 and 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)
USSF ’D’ License (Re-test) Upgrade
The cost is ($110.00) and have the option to attend the entire course again. This is offered to coaches who received a "Not Ready" score and are looking to upgrade to "Ready" and possess the National ’D’ to be able to attend USSF ’C’ Course. If you are interested in upgrading your license contact Rick at doc@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.
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.
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.
