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PA West State Coaching Program - Course Descriptions

Coaching certification within PA West Soccer is geared towards developing coaches that can enhance the soccer experience of our member players. A range of courses is offered that provide training for the new recreational coach as well as the more serious coach looking for up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge. Courses range from the State Youth "Y" Certificate up to the 36-hour State "D" License course. Qualified coaches looking for more advanced training should look for information in US Soccer's National Coaching School section. All PA West Soccer courses are designed to meet the needs of our coaches and clubs in today's changing soccer environment.

State Youth ("Y") Certificate - Coaching U-6 to U-10 In-House/Recreational players

The mission of the State Youth License is to provide current and advanced information on the growth and development of the youth soccer player. The course takes the approach that the "game within each child" is at the center of all decisions and actions taken by the child, coach and club organization. The six-hour course format provides coaches with a basic knowledge of methodology, team administration, risk reduction, child characteristics and a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. Activities will be fun, developmentally appropriate, growth enhancing and have implications for the game. The Youth Module can be offered in a split format in special circumstances (either two nights or one full day on the weekend)

U6-U8 Module

• Philosophy of Coaching and Characteristics of U6/U8 Children (Classroom)
• Field Session with coaches (Gymnasium or Outdoors)
• Discussion on P & C, Team/Risk Mgt., Modified Laws - (Classroom)
• Field Session with U6 Players: U6 Activities, 3 v 3 game on appropriate field (Gymnasium or Outdoors)
• Field Session with U8 Players: U8 Activities, 4 v 4 game on appropriate field (Gymnasium or Outdoors)

Course length: 6 hours
Course cost:  Contact Amy Fogle for details.
Candidates should bring notepad, pen, water, and soccer ball.

U10/U12 Module

• Philosophy of Coaching and Characteristics of U10/U12 Children (Classroom)
• Field Session with coaches (Gymnasium or Outdoors)
• Discussion on P & C, Team/Risk Mgt., Modified Laws (Classroom)
• Field Session with U10 Players: U10 Activities, game on appropriate field, explanation of training session (Gymnasium or Outdoors)
• Field Session with U8 Players: U12 Activities, game on appropriate field, explanation of training session ( Gymnasium or Outdoors)

Course length:  8 hours
Course cost:  Contact Amy Fogle for details.
Candidates should bring notepad, pen, water, and soccer ball.

"E" License - Coaching Travel/Classic players

The philosophy of the "E" certificate is player development. The "E" certificate is geared toward preparing the coach to teach soccer techniques to the youth player during the "golden age of learning." The emphasis is on the building blocks of the game - shooting, passing, receiving, dribbling, heading and goalkeeping. These are the skills that players must master to play the game properly. Technical skills are taught and then refined under game conditions using match related exercises that incorporate pressure from an opponent, limited time and limited space. Principles of attack and defense will be presented. The "E" certificate can be offered in a split format in special circumstances (either four nights or two days on any weekend - ex. one day this weekend and one day the following weekend).

Course Content

• Orientation and Methodology
• Discussion on P & C, Risk Management
• Team Management and Administration
• Discussion of Laws/Test
• Dribbling
• Passing
• Principles of Play Tactics (classroom)
• Receiving
• Shooting
• Goalkeeping
• Heading
• Defending and Attacking Principles on the field
• Practice Coaching by Candidates on the field

Course length:  18 hours
Course cost:  Please contact Amy Fogle

Candidate time will be split between classroom and field.  If physically able candidate should be prepared to participate in the field sessions.

Candidates should bring notepad, pen, water, and soccer ball.

"D" License - Coaching Travel/Classic players
("C" License Preparatory Course)

The "D" license is intended for coaches who desire to coach at more advanced age levels and/or aspire to continue on for a USSF National Coaching License. The continued improvement of player technique at speed and the teaching of fundamental tactics form the two pillars of the "D" license. The tactics section of the "D" license deals not only with individual and group tactics, but the foundations of team play and the principles of offense and defense. The course will help coaches create game situations in which players are required to solve problems as individuals, in small groups and as a team.

Course Content

• Orientation and Methodology
• Discussion on P & C (hydration and nutrition), Team/Risk Management
• Discussion of Laws/Test
• Dribbling for a Purpose
• Passing (chipping, bending, crossing)
• Receiving and Turning
• Heading for a purpose (attack, clear)
• Finishing
• Goalkeeping
• Fitness with the Ball
• Attacking (possession, penetration)
• Defending
• Small-sided games (even #'s, uneven #'s, neutral players)
• Principles of Play (video)
• Match Analysis and Lesson Plan Design
• Practice Field Sessions (technical and tactical)
• Course Summary
• Technique and Tactics Video Testing
• Practical Field Testing

Course length:  36 hours
Course cost:  $175 (facility costs may be added) for members; Coaches of non-member clubs please contact Amy Fogle.

Candidate time will be split between classroom and field.  If physically able candidate should be prepared to participate in the field sessions.

Candidates should bring notepad, pen, water, and soccer ball.