Cal South offers Coaching Education courses for the following license levels:
This is strongly recommended for all competitive coaches of players 15 years old and up.This 36-hour course is the most comprehensive course offered and is preparatory for national licensing.
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This is the entry level course which is mandatory for ALL competitive level coaches. 18 hour pass/fail course with a mix of field and classroom instruction.
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For U9 and under recreational coaches. One hour of classroom instruction followed by two hours of demonstration and trial.
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For U10 and older recreational coaches. Two hour of classroom instruction followed by three hours of demonstration and trial.
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Please click here to choose the coaching course you wish to attend.*
Under Event Type, choose Coaching Education Course, then click Search at the far right. For more information on a course or to sign up, click on the specific listing that interests you. *Please contact Chrissy Teyechea at 714.451.1553 or cteyechea@calsouth.com with any questions.
If you are a coach searching for an A, B or C License Course,
please click here to go to the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education page.
Click on the item below to go directly to your area of interest:
Cal South Coaching Education Overview
Designed to meet the needs of today's modern youth soccer coach, Cal South has established a comprehensive Coaching Education School that offers a USSF-approved curriculum of courses for the "Youth Module", "E", and "D" licenses. Through this effort, Cal South 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
Over 45,000 coaches have attended Cal South licensing courses. The objective of the coaching licensing curriculum is to provide all soccer coaches, from the beginner to the advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge, so that coaches in southern California can help ensure that players develop their fullest potential.
All courses are taught by Cal South State Staff Coaches who hold a National Coaching License. "D" Clinic instructors hold either an "A" or "B" National Coaching License. Youth Module instructors hold a National Youth License. All courses must be scheduled through the Cal South State Office. A list is maintained at the State Office and posted on our website.
The "E" and "D" courses are also offered in Spanish. Individuals wishing to attend a course or clubs, leagues wishing to host a course may do so by contacting Rolando Uribe, the Latin Coaches Education Coordinator for Cal South, at 626.395.3266.
The 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 way. All candidates actively participate in field sessions. Approximately two-thirds of each course is comprised 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 hours required on the field. A complete discussion of the Coaches Education program is provided below along with a complete listing of ongoing coaching licensing clinics across the Association. 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.
The Certification Process
General Requirements
Every Cal South coach must meet the requirements of the Coaching Education Department as described below. This includes holding a Cal South Coaching License, a license from another US Youth Soccer State Association, or a United States Soccer Federation National Coaching License.
All courses are taught by Cal South State Staff Coaches who hold a National Coaching License. "D" Clinic instructors hold either an "A" or "B" National Coaching License. Youth Module instructors hold a National Youth License. All courses must be scheduled through the Cal South State Office. A list is maintained at the State Office and posted on Cal South website.
The "E" and "D" license courses are also offered in Spanish. Individuals wishing to attend a course or clubs and leagues which wish to host a course may do so by contacting Rolando Uribe, the Latin Coaches Education coordinator for Cal South, at 626.395.3266.
Course contents, duration, and costs are provided below. Youth Module 3 has replaced the older "F" license.
Youth Module 1 - State Youth License - 9 and Younger
This course is designed specifically for the U9 coach. During 3 hours of classroom and field instruction, coaches are taught the proper techniques for these age groups.
Topics:
• Philosophy of coaching U9 and younger players
• Characteristics of U9 and younger
• Team administration and risk management
• Prevention and care of soccer injuries
• Appropriate activities for U9 and younger players
• Organizing a youth training session
• Laws of the Game: modified
Prerequisites:
• AN OPEN MIND!
• Minimum age - 16 years old
Course Length: 3 12 hours
• 1 12 hours classroom
• 2 hours field
Testing:
• None
Cost:
• $15 per person.
Each candidate will receive the USYS Novice Coach DVD and a Cal South workbook value $20
Recommended for all Recreational coaches of players aged U9 and younger.
It is mandatory that a recreational coach has a Youth Module 1 or Youth Module 3 certificate to coach in Cal South.
Provisional coaching license will be issued to all coaches age 16 and under 18 years of age. All coaches holding a provisional coaching license will be required to work with a licensed coach 18 years and over. Up on reaching the age of 18 a coach holding a provisional coaching license shall be upon written request to the state director of coaching education be issued a full coaching license.
Online Youth Certificate
This course is designed specifically for the U9 coach. During 3 hours of classroom and field instruction, coaches are taught the proper techniques for these age groups.
Topics:
• Philosophy of coaching U9 and younger players
• Characteristics of U9 and younger
• Team administration and risk management
• Prevention and care of soccer injuries
• Appropriate activities for U9 and younger players
• Organizing a youth training session
• Laws of the Game: modified
Prerequisites:
• AN OPEN MIND!
• Minimum age - 16 years old
Course Length: 3 12 hours
• 2 hours
Testing:
• Yes
Cost:
• $15 per person.
Each candidate will receive the US Youth Soccer Novice Coach DVD (a $10 value).
Entry level certificate for recreational coaches.
This is not a coaching license. All coaches holding a Youth Certificate will be required to complete the field component of the Youth License 1 before a coaching license can be issued. A recreational coach who holds this certificate can be in the technical area and coach games for one year.
Youth Module 3 - State Youth License - Under 10 Years 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 and care of injuries
• Coaching technique
• Coaching tactics
• Laws of the Game
• Principles of attack and defense
• Small-sided games
Prerequisites:
• AN OPEN MIND!
• Minimum age - 16 years old
Course Length:
• 5 hours of instruction
2 hours classroom
• 3 hours field
Testing:
• None
Cost:
• $15 per person
All Candidates will receive a USYS Novice Coach DVD and a Cal South workbook at a retail value of $20
Recommended for all Recreational coaches of player's age U10 and above.
It is mandatory that a recreational coach has a Youth Module 1 or Youth Module 3 certificate to coach in Cal South.
Provisional coaching license will be issued to all coaches age 16 years and under 18 years of age. All coaches holding a provisional coaching license will be required to work with a licensed coach 18 years and over. Upon reaching the age of 18, a coach holding a provisional coaching license shall be, upon written request to the state director of coaching education, be issued a full coaching license.
"E" License
The "E" License is an entry level course which is mandatory for all competitive coaches. This 18-hour course combines field and classroom instruction in intermediate coaching and teaching methodology. This is a Pass/Fail Course.
Topics:
• Methods of coaching
• Team administration and risk management
• Prevention and care of injuries
• Coaching technique
• Coaching tactics
• Laws of the Game
• Principles of attack and defense
• Small-sided games
Prerequisites:
• Minimum age - 18 years old
Course Length: 18 hours of instruction
• 5 hours classroom
• 13 hours field
Testing:
• Written
Cost:
• $85 per person
All Candidates will receive the USSF "E" Course workbook and Nike T shirt at a retail value of $30.
"D" License
The "D" License is strongly recommended for all competitive coaches of players 15 years old and up .
This 36-hour course is the most comprehensive course offered and is preparatory for national licensing. Only a limited number of courses are offered each year and sign up for this course must be accomplished through the State Office. The participant must hold and "E" license and provide a copy of it when registering for the course. A candidate who takes this course will be awarded a level based on their performance in the course: Fail, State "D", National "D". A candidate who does not pass and receives a "Fail" will be awarded an "E" license, if they do previously have one.
Topics:
• Methods of coaching
• Team management
• Prevention and care of injuries
• Coaching technique
• Coaching tactics
• Systems of play
• Match analysis
• Principles of play
Prerequisites:
• "E" License (No wait period is needed in between the "E" and "D" license course) or a Cal South Director of Coaching Education approved waiver
• Minimum age - 18 years old
Course Length: 36-hours
• 2 hours classroom
• 24 hours field
Testing:
• Methods of coaching - oral and video test
• Tactics - oral video test
• Laws of the Game - take home test
• Prevention and Care - take home test
Practical field session - methods / coaching
Cost:
• $ 150.00 per person
All Candidates will receive the USSF "D" Course workbook, Success in Soccer book II, and a Nike T shirt at a retail value of $40 The "D" License is strongly recommended for all competitive coaches of players 15 years old and up.
"D" Re-Test
This course is offered to coaches that did not pass their "D" course and are looking to receive a National "D".
This option is offered to a candidate who takes the "D" course and was awarded a level based on their performance in the course of "Not Ready."
A candidate must submit four (4) lesson plans that were used while training a team within the six-month waiting period. These lesson plans must be handed in to the lead instructor before the course starts.
A candidate who receives a "Not Ready" will be awarded an "E" license, if they don't previously have one.
Re-tests will be conducted at all "D" courses scheduled in Cal South. All candidates must register in advance of the course starting.
Prerequisites:
• Must have completed a "D" course and received a "Not Ready" grade.
• All candidates must wait six months from the date of their original course starting.
Re-Test Length:
One day
• 2 hours classroom
• 6 hours field
Testing:
• Practical field session
Cost:
• $20 - A candidate can re-test once if he/she receives a "Not Ready" grade a second time. He/She must retake the full "D" course and pay all appropriate fees.
Goalkeeper License Level 1
The overall objective of the Goalkeeping Level I Diploma Course is to explore some of the myths and mystiques surrounding the goalkeeping function. The six-hour course is directed towards the team coach - not the specialist goalkeeper coach. The object is to empower the coach with knowledge and practice methods that will enable the coach to evaluate a goalkeeper in game situations
and then design an appropriate practice program for goalkeepers in and outside of team practices. The course includes lecture (theory) and field (practical) sessions. All Cal South Goalkeeping licensing courses are done in partnership with the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) and are conducted by NSCAA-certified coaches.
Topics
• Goalkeeping and Development
• Principles of Goalkeeping
• Techniques/Tactics
Prerequisites
• Minimum age - 18 years old
Course Length: 6 hours
• 2 12 hours classroom
• 3 12 hours field
Testing
• None
National Youth License Course
This is a national course conducted jointly by U. S. Soccer and U. S. Youth Soccer. The main emphasis of the course is based on the unique characteristics of the growing child from a physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and motor skill acquisition perspective and developmentally appropriate activities for them. Detailed analysis of the modern methods of coaching players U6 through U12 is provided together with invaluable feedback from practice coaching in each age group..
Topics
Coaching U6, U8, U10, and U12 players
• Care and Prevention/Youth Fitness
• Team and Risk Management
• Rules, Fair Play, and Moral Development
Prerequisites:
• National "D" or a Cal South Director of Coaching Education approved waiver.
• Minimum age - 18 years old
Course Length: 6 days
• About 22 hours classroom
• About 20 hours field
Testing:
• Oral Exams
• Practical Coaching Exam
Cost:
To Be Determined by Cal South
All Candidates will receive the Nike T shirt at a retail value of $40 For more information on U.S. Soccer Coaching Schools, contact the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at 312.528.1219 or coaches@ussoccer.org.
Waiver Procedures
Candidates who wish to attend higher level courses such as the "D" or "D" upgrade may do so through the waiver process. This provides coaches with extensive soccer experience, coaching and playing, to move on to higher-level courses without going through lower level courses to meet prerequisites. The waiver also allows candidates, who qualify, to test out for their "E" license.
If applying for a waiver as a Professional Player
• A candidate must have at least five (5) years youth coaching experience AND three (3) years playing experience with U.S. National teams or three (3) years professional playing experience.
• The applicant must submit proof such as copies of contracts or verification by the owner of the professional team on team letterhead along with the Cal South completed waiver application form or other proof of verifiable playing experience
• If approved, a candidate can either "E" Test Out or attend a "D" upgrade course
If applying for a waiver based on verified Intercollegiate playing and coaching experience
• You must meet two of the following criteria and produce written proof:
• Played 4 years at NCAA Division I, II, III or a NAIA College or a transfer student from a Community College (Letter of recommendation needed from Athletic Director or Coach on school letterhead verifying playing experience) and played 2 years at the above levels and one of the following:
• Has a minimum of 1-year intercollegiate coaching experience (Letter of recommendation needed from Director or School Official i.e. Principal, etc. on school letterhead verifying coaching experience). 4 Years of valid youth coaching experience
What is valid coaching experience?
• Coaching for a club in Cal South or other USYS State Association (Letter of recommendation needed from Club President or Director of Coaching verifying coaching experience).
• Coaching at High School (Letter of recommendation needed from Director or School Official i.e. Principal, etc. on school letterhead verifying coaching experience)
• Coaching in a USYS State Association ODP (Letter of recommendation needed from ODP Director verifying coaching experience)
• The State Director of coaching education will evaluate all waiver requests on an individual basis.
• If approved, a candidate can either "E" Test Out or attend a "D" upgrade course to If approved a candidate can attend a Full "D" course or other options made available by the Cal South State Director of Coaching Education.
If applying using other license
• If an applicant holds an NSCAA National Diploma or higher a AAF/CIF 36 Hour Coaching Certificate or AYSO Advanced National Certificate a copy must be provided along with a completed waiver application form.
Equivalency:
• NCAA National Diploma = Waiver into "D" Upgrade or "E" Test Out.
• AAF/CIF Certificate = Waiver into Full "D" Course.
• AYSO National Certificate (40 hours) = Waiver into Full "D" Course.
• UEFA Licenses = Waiver into "D" Upgrade or "E" Test Out.
• The Cal South State Director of Coaching will evaluate all foreign certifications and licenses
Procedure to Apply for a waiver/equivalency:
• Must complete a Cal South Coaching waiver application (downloadable off the Cal South website). Waivers will not be reviewed without application.
• Twenty-dollars ($20) processing fee. Make checks out to Cal South. Waivers will not be reviewed with out payment.
• Complete resume with soccer playing and soccer coaching experience
• Copies of any of the above license or letters from all officials.
• If all documents do not accompany the waiver application, the application will be denied and the candidate will lose their application fee.
• All candidates that are waivered must PASS the practical and written tests to obtain a National/State "D" license or "E" license. If a candidate fails the "D" course, they will be awarded an Cal South "E" license.
Fees:
• "E" Test Out = $85
• "D" Course = $150
• "D" Upgrade course = $150
Possessing another USYS State Association License:
• If the candidate posses a license from another USYS State Association or USSF, the following applies:
• Other USYS "E" License = Must take Risk Management test to receive a Cal South "E" License (Cost: $15)
• Other USYS "D" License = Must take Risk Management test to receive a Cal South State "D" license (Cost: $15), allowed to take "D" upgrade course at retest fee (Cost: $50)
• Any National level license coach ("C", "B", "A", or NYL) = Must take Risk Management test to inputted into Cal South license database (Cost: $15)
• Cal South will no longer honor any USASA or USASA State Association coaching license.
Click here to download a Waiver Application
A waiver is not the granting of a license. A candidate must pass the course to receive a license.
Eligibility
• "YM" Courses: applicants ages Minimum 16 years old.
• "E" Course: applicants must be 18 years or older.
• "D" Course: applicants must be 18 years or older and have the "E" certificate or have passed the written tests for the E license.
• "D" Course upgrade or Audit Any Candidate who fails the National" D or State "D". Will be allowed one retest all AAF/CIF or NSCAA waivers will take this course.
Risk Management Requirements
Live Scan Form and Locations
Applicant Live Scan Sites
It is important to note that the Cal South Coaches Education Program is not linked to the Cal South Risk Management Program. For instance, in order for a coach of a competitive team to direct their team from the coach's box, that coach must possess a USSF coaching license as well as complete Cal South Risk Management Program. Furthermore, all competitive coaches must possess a coaching license - minimum "E" license (Competitive) or Youth License (Recreational).
As part of the Cal South Risk Management Program, all program administrators will no longer be required to possess and display their plastic risk management badges. All of the requisite coaching education and risk management information will be printed directly on the USYSA member pass.
Those administrators not in compliance with the requisite coaching education and risk management requirements will not be able to have a USYSA member pass printed. Cal South "KidSafe" Risk Management Program Transition to Live Scan Fingerprinting Cal South has once again made advancements in the KIDSAFE Risk Management program by switching to Live Scan fingerprint technology.
This switch solidifies Cal South's position as having one of the most progressive Risk Management programs in the country with the intent on keeping the 137,000 Cal South Member's KIDSAFE. Live Scan digital submissions provide the quickest way to submit and process background checks through the Department of Justice.
They also provide for seamless integration into the California DOJ subsequent arrest notification program, providing the following benefits:
1. Administrators only have to be fingerprinted once for the lifetime of their involvement in Cal South Soccer as long as they are involved in concurrent years.
2. Through the California DOJ subsequent arrest notification program, we retain the ability to screen subsequent arrest activity & make decisions towards keeping KIDSAFE & protecting the best interest of our Member Leagues.
What does this mean for your League & Administrators?
• Quicker DOJ turnaround on all fingerprint submissions
• More professional Risk Management fingerprinting sessions conducted locally by Live Scan Solutions
• More sessions, shorter lines & Live Scan options available to your League
• Keeping your League & Players KIDSAFE!
Cost and Duration of Education Courses
Level |
Cost |
Duration |
| Youth Module 1 is Mandatory for all U9 and younger Recreational Coaches |
$15
|
3 hr
|
| Youth Module 3 Mandatory for all Recreational Coaches coaching U10 and older |
$15
|
5 hr
|
| "E" Course Mandatory for all Competitive Coaches |
$85
|
18 hr
|
| "D" Course Recommended for all Competitive Coaches Coaching U15 and older |
$150
|
36 hr
|
| "D" Course Upgrade |
$150
|
10 hr
|
| National Youth License Course |
TBD
|
6 days
|
| "C", "B", and "A" |
TBD
|
9 days
|
| Recreation Clinic |
Free
|
2-3 hr
|
A participant's league or club may agree to help defray the cost of the clinics.
Candidates must come prepared with the following items:
• A Soccer Ball
• Proper soccer clothing
• Water
• Pencil/pen and paper to take notes
• Sun block is highly recommended for weekend sessions
• Shin guards (for field sessions)
Responsibilities of Hosting League or Club Youth Module Course
A League, District Head Coach or District Commissioner can sponsor a Youth Module Coaching Course. A "How To" checklist has been prepared to assist leagues in applying to host a Youth Module course (COMING SOON!). The Sponsor must fill out a hosting form and send it to the Cal South State office 30 days prior to the starting date of the clinic. You can download the hosting form by clicking here.
Cal South Recreational Coaches Clinic (2-3 Hours)
A two-three hour coaches clinic available for Recreational Leagues Only. There is no state certification for this clinic, it is for the sole purpose of supplemental coaching education for recreational coaches. This clinic has been structured as an educational resource provided by Cal South to our recreational leagues and is intended to introduce youth soccer to the coaches of recreational programs who have little or no experience coaching youth soccer. The strength of the Cal South clinic is that it will be designed to focus on the specific soccer topic areas identified by you and your league. It can be set up to serve as an overview for all of your leagues first year coaches or can be designed to target the coaching of specific age groups. That's the beauty of it: your league can establish whatever will serve your recreational coaching needs best. The true value of this program is also derived from being a hands-on clinic with the action taking place in "The True Classroom", on the field. Active participation is strongly encouraged to add to the participants understanding and experience gained from the clinic, but is not required. Each league can host this clinic free of charge, once a year, at a time coordinated with the Cal South Director of Recreation Leagues and the Director of Coaching Education.
Topics
• Laws of the Game
• Teaching Proper Techniques
• Organizing & Running Effective Practice Sessions
• Small-Sided Soccer
• Fun Games Kids Love to Play
• Team Management (Coaching Philosophy, Roles of the Coach, Methods of
• Coaching, Sideline Coaching)
• Beginners Guide to Team Tactics (U12 and above)
• Retrieval Games (U8 and below)
Prerequisites:
• Minimum age - 18 years old
• Minimum class size: 20 participants
Course Length: 2-3 hours
Testing: None
Cost: Free
There is no state certification for this clinic - educational purposes only. This clinic will be offered once per year and cannot be rolled over into subsequent years.
Download the Cal South Recreation Coaches Clinic Application Form
District Head Coaches
| Director of Coaching Education & Player Development | Steve Hoffman |
805.331.1522 cell
714.451.1574 office |
| Region 1 Coordinator (Districts 1 and 2) | John Napier | 760.744.2300 office |
| Region 2 Coordinator (District 3) | Ed Kephart | 714.484.7354 |
| Region 3 Coordinator (District 5) | Darwin Dallas | 951.789.1448 |
| Region 4 Coordinator (Districts 4, 6 and 7) | Sean Roche | 805.378.1525 ext.1695 |
| Latin Coaches Education Coordinator | Rolando Uribe | 626.395.3266 office |
| Coaching Education State Office Administrator | Chrissy Teyechea |
714.778.2972 voice
888.429.7276 714.441.0715 fax |
| Goalkeeping Coaching Coordinator | Patrick Seymour |
Recommended Field Dimensions (*)
Age Group |
Length (yd) |
Width (yd) |
Goal Box (yd) |
Penalty Box (yd) |
Center Circle (yds) |
Goals (ft) |
U6
|
20-30
|
15-20
|
No goal box | No penalty box | 3 yds radius | 4 ft high & 6 ft wide |
U8
|
40-50
|
20-30
|
3 yds from each goal post and 3 yds into field of play | No penalty box | 5 yds radius | 4 ft high & 6 ft wide |
U10
|
70-80
|
40-50
|
6 yds from each goal post and 6 yds into the field of play | 14 yds from each goal post and 14 yds into the field of play | 8 yds radius | 7 ft high & 21 ft wide |
U12 & older
|
100-130
|
45-90
|
6 yds from each goal post and 6 yds into the field of play | 18 yds from each goal post and 18 yds into the field of play | 10 yds radius | 8 ft high & 24 ft wide |
(*) Recommended by US Youth Soccer and FIFA
Coaching Certification Cards
Coaches no longer have to wait for the post office to deliver proof of their coaching license level (coaching certificate). The proof can now be obtained quicker from your league. We are all familiar with the Player and Administrator Game Pass (Member Pass) printed on the snazzy Cal South card stock. Attached to this, there is a second, perforated half to the Member Pass, called the Member ID Card . In the past, round filing this half was practiced, but now, every coach should have this in their wallet as proof of coaching license level (coaching certificate), Kidsafe status, proof of registration & insurance and CORIS access. If you are looking for proof of coaching license level (coaching certificate), it is as close as your league of registration.
Clinic Registration
We currently use a secure online "shopping cart" system for clinic registration. When you are filling out the registration form to "purchase" a clinic, please insure that you fill in all information fields that are required including DRIVER'S LICENSE, CREDIT CARD information, and the small box that idicates that the shipping information is the same as the billing infirmation. You should receive an email after completing the form confirming your "purchase" of a clinic. Please limit your purchase to one person at a time.
Cancellation Policy
A candidate seeking to withdraw from a clinic must do so in writing at least 36 hours prior to the start of a clinic or lose 50% of the registration fees. Failure to attend a clinic without prior written notice of cancellation will result in the forfeiture of all fees. Candidates will receive a full refund for a clinic that is cancelled.
Payment must be received prior to the clinic. Registrations for a clinic without pre-payment will not be accepted. NO WALK-ONS WILL BE PERMITTED.
All coaching education candidates are encouraged to fill out a Coaching Education Course Survey Form to give us feedback on your coaching education clinic experience.
Coaching Resources
COMING SOON!