As the governing body for soccer in British Columbia, BC Soccer on behalf of the Canada Soccer is responsible for training coaches from grassroots to high performance levels. To meet this challenge, Canada Soccer has developed the Canada Soccer Pathway (LTPD) and tailored the Coach Education Program to this Model. As a result, a two-streamed education program has been developed in conjunction with the NCCP that will meet the needs of both developing coaches and the sport itself. The Streams through which a coach may enter and/or advance are:
Community Coach Stream – This is an introduction to soccer and coaches may register for any of the 4 courses (Active Start, Fundamentals, Learn to Train and Soccer for Life). Each course focuses on a different stage of development regarding children, youth and adult levels of play. Coaches are not formally evaluated at these levels and do not need a pre-requisite to register.
Licensing Stream – For coaches who wish to continue their coach education and be challenged as a coach, the C License is the gateway and the first opportunity for coaches to be formally evaluated. The B License (Part 1 and 2) and the A License courses are aimed at the professionalization of coaches and is geared at high performance soccer and for those who are coaching professionally or pursuing that level. These courses are extensive and run during the week with a challenging curriculum.
BC Soccer Coaching Certification Pathway
ACTIVE START (U6)
At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Informal games can be set up at the end of practices or as part of a jamboree mixing exercising and games. Play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and equal time should be allotted to practices and games.
Pre-requisite: N/A (minimum age requirement is 16 years old)
Course Length: 3.5 hours
Course Fee: FREE
*Coaches should be prepared to participate in classroom and on field
FUNDAMENTALS (U7-U8)
At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Mini game formats are used, ranging from 3v3 to 5v5 and a basic league schedule can be created but no standings should be kept. All players should play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and equal time should be allotted to practices and games.
Pre-requisite: N/A (minimum age requirement is 16 years old)
Course Length: 8 hours
Course Fee: $42 (includes GST)
*Coaches should be prepared to participate in classroom and on field
LEARNING TO TRAIN (U9-U12)
This stage introduces players to disciplined training and begins to develop their understanding of principles of play alongside their skills practice. Repetitions are important to develop technical proficiency, but creating a fun and challenging environment is still paramount to stimulate learning and promote a love of the game. Game formats can range from 6v6 to 8v8 as players advance through this stage, and again a simple league schedule can be created, but no standings should be kept – the emphasis is still FUN. All players play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeping, and the training to competition ratio should be 2 to 3 training sessions for every game.
Pre-requisite: N/A (minimum age requirement is 16 years old)
Course Length: 16 hours
Course Fee: $76.13 (includes GST)
*Coaches should be prepared to participate in classroom and on field
SOCCER FOR LIFE (U13+)
At this stage, skill training demands and training loads are increased to develop and refine skills and tactics. Tactical awareness becomes an increasingly important facet of training, alongside mental toughness, concentration, and diligence. Elite soccer groups may express interest in recruiting talented young players, but coaches and parents should be careful to recognize and protect the long-term interests of each athlete. Game formats develop from 8v8 to 11v11 (although no 11v11 prior to 13 years of age) as players grow through this stage, and the season moves toward year-round play that includes appropriate rest and recovery periods.
Pre-requisite: N/A (minimum age requirement is 16 years old)
Course Length: 16 hours
Course Fee: $152.25 (includes GST)
*Coaches should be prepared to participate in classroom and on field