U.S. Soccer and the West Virginia Soccer Association are proud to announce the launch of four new in-person Grassroots License Courses as well as the updated D License Course. Each of these educational opportunities are hosted by U.S. Soccer member organizations and are tailored around the four new Grassroots game models: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. These course options will offer coaches the chance to learn more about how to develop a player-centered approach to coaching.
Spanning 4-hours in length, each in-person Course consists of both classroom and field-based sessions. Coaches will learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Coaching Education Philosophy, Play-Practice-Play Methodology and the Six Tasks of a Grassroots Coach, amongst other topics. The newly revamped D License is a culmination of all four game models and an extension of the Grassroots courses. After completion of the course, coaches will have the knowledge and tools to positively impact their player and the environment in which they interact.
“Grassroots is where soccer begins. It is these early experiences that spark a child’s love for the game. As a parent or coach, these courses will help further improve those experiences,” said U.S. Soccer Director of Coaching Education, Nico Romeijn. “If you are completely new to coaching or the game of soccer, this is a tremendous opportunity to further your knowledge of how to teach children to learn and love the game. For the experienced coach or former player, this is an opportunity to provide a more structured approach based on the needs of the players. In both cases, the focus is on the player and how to ensure that player is able to learn, grow and have fun playing soccer.”
“This new grassroots pathways will be an excellent opportunity for our coaches to select the option that best suits their short term and long term needs.,” said Bob Gray, WVSA Director of Coaching.
“Now, coaches will be able to receive age-specific coaching methodology and instruction they can take with them as their teams get older and the playing format changes with age. The combination of online theoretical and in-person practical content will be quite beneficial to coaches.”
Interested coaches may begin with any in-person grassroots course of their choosing following the completion of the free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module, which is offered in U.S. Soccer's Digital Coaching Center. WVSA will post more information regarding schedule, pricing and availability of in-person Grassroots & D License course, and updates on our Minimum Coaching Standards soon.