Coaching Courses

AIFF D-Licence Course:

The AIFF D-Licence Course forms an introductory step to Professional Football
Coaching in India. The Course deals with teaching the bare basics of Football
Coaching to rookie Coaches. The Course duration is 6 days.
The criteria based on which a candidate can apply to participate in the Course are:
1.

level.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

8.

Participants should have playing experience and knowledge of the game at any

All Participants must be examined by an MBBS Doctor before the Course starts
and declared healthy and fit to perform the practical lessons during the Course. A
Fitness Certificate stating that the candidate is physically fit to participate for the
practical sessions in the Course has to be produced for the same.
Participants should have the knowledge of English (read and write) since the
medium of instruction and Course materials are in English.
Active Referees participation: Active Referees can also participate up to AFC C
Certificate Coaching Course.
Participants should be committed to Coaching and be willing to actively
continue in Coaching.
It is compulsory for all the participants to attend all the sessions.
Participants will bear all costs involved in the participation of the Course
including study material, playing kit etc.
A D-Licence holder will be able to Coach in Grassroots football, college and
school teams, District and Inter-city Championships etc.
AFC C-Licence Course:
The AFC C Coaching Certificate Course aims at training Coaches and developing
their basic techniques and skills in football. It is designed to teach the Coaches to
organise, direct and conduct basic Coaching practices targeting especially young
players.
The Course lasts 13 days and requires a minimum of 85 hours of study time for both
the practical and theoretical sessions. In the final examination, students will be
assessed on their practical Coaching abilities, knowledge of the laws of the game, in
addition to learning and understanding of the theory contents of football.
Criteria which allow a Candidate to apply for the Course:

1.

2.

Participants should have playing experience at International Level or should be

a D-Licence holder.
All Participants must be examined by an MBBS Doctor before the Course starts
and declared healthy and fit to perform the practical lessons during the Course. A
Fitness certificate stating that the candidate is physically fit to participate for the
practical sessions in the Course have to be produced for the same.

3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

Participants should have the knowledge of English (read and write) as the
medium of instruction and Course materials are in English.
Active Referees participation: Active Referees can also participate up to AFC C
Certificate Coaching Course.
Participants should be committed to Coaching and be willing to actively
continue in Coaching.
It is compulsory for all the participants to attend all the sessions.
Participants will bear all costs involved in the participation of the Course
including study material, playing kit etc.
AFC B-Licence Course:
The AFC B Coaching Certificate is for Coaches who already possess the C
Certificate. The Course is designed to educate Coaches in the advanced techniques
and skills of the game, and to help them develop a better understanding of individual
or groups of players, tactics and the mental requirements of the game.
The duration of the Course is 20 days, containing more than 107 hours of theoretical
and practical contents. The examination focuses on the Coaches practical Coaching
abilities, knowledge and understanding of the theoretical contents of the game, in
addition to a brief presentation of a dissertation to the class.
Participation criteria for the AFC B Coaching Certificate Course:
1.
AFC
2.
Coaching
3.
Log
book
4. Valid Licence

C
experience
(minimum

Coaching
(minimum
2
60
Coaching

Certificate
years)
hours)

AFC A-Licence Course:

The AFC A Coaching Certificate Course is for Coaches who hold both the C and
B Coaching Certificates. Selection of participants is based only on the
recommendation of the Instructors. The duration of the Course is 27 days, with a
minimum of 148 hours. The Course is designed to educate Coaches in tactical and
advanced technical requirements of teams and team management. Teachings of the
physiological and psychological needs of the players are part of the module, and are
important to enhance the Coaches understanding of the game at this level.
Students are examined on the practical and theoretical aspects of the game, and
are required to submit and present a dissertation.
Participation

criteria

1.
AFC
2.
Coaching
3.
Log
book
4. Valid Licence

for

the

AFC

B
experience
(minimum

Coaching

Certificate

Coaching
(minimum
1
80
Coaching

Course:
Certificate
year)
hours)

AFC Pro-Licence Course:

The AFC Professional Coaching Diploma Course is for Coaches who hold the A
Coaching Certificate as a minimum requirement. It is designed to teach the highest
standards for club and national team levels. The Course aims at producing Coaches at
the highest level and identifying future instructors. It is a complex Course that
consists of 4 modules, with a total duration of at least 380 hours. It covers practical
and theoretical sessions, and requires club attachments abroad and/or a club/team
attachment usually at the country of origin of each student with log book entries of
training sessions, results, match analyses and comments. Further requirements
include the submission of a dissertation of a minimum of 5000 words on a given topic,
final examination on the theoretical and practical aspects of football, and an oral
examination.
For countries participating in the Asian Champions League, AFC offers a special
Professional Diploma Course (compact Course) that requires a minimum of 220 hours.
Participation criteria for the AFC Professional Coaching Diploma Course:
1.
AFC
A
Coaching
Certificate.
2. Coaching a professional/elite club or attached to the National Team.
3.
Physically
and
medically
fit.
4. Must be able to participate in both the Practical and Theoretical sessions.
5.
Literacy
(reading
and
writing).
6. English language (compulsory for Continental Courses; compulsory when required
for
Regional
Courses).
8. Log book (minimum 100 Coaching hours).
AFC Conditioning Course:
The AFC Conditioning Coaching Certificate Course is part of AFCs specialised
Courses. Its importance grows as the nature of the game changes constantly and
incorporates more physical aspects than it did in the past. The minimum qualification
for all candidates is the AFC B Coaching Certificate with a minimum of one year of
Coaching experience. The Course aims at creating a panel of AFC Conditioning
trainers and encouraging them to apply their skills in the physical training of teams.
AFC is in the process of developing Conditioning Certificates that include 3 levels.
Course
Participation

duration:
criteria

minimum
for

the

Conditioning

60
Coaching

hours
Course:

1. AFC B Coaching Certificate with a minimum of 1 year Coaching experience.

2. Playing and Coaching experience (supporting CV)
AFC Goalkeeping Course:
This Course covers a more specialised aspect of football as goalkeepers are of great
importance for the outcome of the game. Coaches who wish to take part in this
specialist Course must have at least the AFC C Coaching Certificate, and have to
continue their work at this chosen field of football. The Course is designed to deliver
theoretical and practical modules in order to improve the overall standards of the
game.
Course

duration:

Level

minimum

40

hours

Level

minimum

65

hours

Level 3 - minimum 70 hours

Participation criteria for the Goalkeeping L-1 Course:

1. AFC C Coaching Certificate with a minimum of 1 year Coaching experience.

2. Playing and Coaching experience (supporting CV).
Participation criteria for the Goalkeeping L2 Course:
1.
Goalkeeping
2.
Working
3.
Log
book
4. Valid Licence.

Level
experience
(minimum

Coaching
(minimum
2
40
Coaching

Certificate.
years).
hours).

Participation criteria for the Goalkeeping L3 Course:

1.
Goalkeeping
2.
Working
3.
Log
book
4. Valid Licence.

Level
experience
(minimum

Coaching
(minimum
2
50
Coaching

Certificate
years).
hours).

AFC Instructors Course:

Candidates who want to become Coaching Instructors must be holders of the AFC A
Coaching Certificate with valid Licences, and pass an Instructors Course. The Course
aims to Train The Trainers, meaning that as instructors, the participants will learn
how to deliver the Courses and how to pass on their knowledge to the Coaches.
Participants also get trained to meet the demands of the profession in the everdeveloping game of football. The Course focuses on how the participants (as
instructors) will teach the various aspects of team tactics and styles of play. The
participants will also learn the importance of analysing a game as well as working in

groups. The duration of the Course is 85 hours, including practical, theoretical and
oral examinations. There are four levels of instructorship in Coaching.
Participation

Criteria

for

becoming

an

AFC

Coaching

Instructor:

1.
AFC
A
Coaching
Certificate
with
a
valid
Licence.
2.
Written
and
spoken
English
(Continental
and
Regional
level).
3.
Able
to
conduct
both
the
Theoretical
and
Practical
Sessions.
4.
Physically
and
medically
fit.
5.
Knowledgeable
(well-informed),
with
good
communication
skills.
6.
Convincing
(able
to
convince),
fair
and
objective.
7.
Basic
Powerpoint
skills,
computer
literate.
8. Not exceeding the retirement age of 60.
AFC Goalkeeping Instructors Course:
All participants in the AFC Goalkeeping Instructors Course must be holders of the
AFC A Coaching Certificate or Goalkeeping Level 3 Coaching Certificate with a valid
Licence. Ideally, they should also have playing experience so as to understand the
demands of this special category of football individuals. It is a Train The Trainers
Course, which explores various learning styles as well as Coaching ones. Participants
are taught how to organise and teach a range of action plans that are crucial to the
outcome of the game. They are also evaluated on their technical skills, tactical
awareness, general handling, and above all on the psychology of how to maintain their
composure under pressure. There are 3 levels of Goalkeeping Instructorship, covering
approximately 200 hours in total, with practical, theoretical and oral examinations.
Participation

criteria

for

becoming

an

AFC

Goalkeeping

Instructor

1. AFC A Coaching Certificate/Advanced (Level 3) GK Coaching Certificate with a valid

Licence.
2.
Playing
and
Coaching
experience
(supporting
CV).
3.
Written
and
spoken
English
(Continental
and
Regional
level).
4.
Able
to
conduct
both
the
Theoretical
and
Practical
Sessions.
5.
Physically
and
medically
fit.
6.
Knowledgeable
(well-informed),
good
communication
skills.
7.
Convincing
(able
to
convince),
fair
and
objective.
8.
Basic
Powerpoint
skills,
computer
literate.
9. Not exceeding retirement age of 60.
AFC Conditioning Instructors Course:
The AFC Conditioning Instructors Course is for holders of the AFC A Coaching
Certificate with a minimum of a Bachelors degree in Physical Education/Sports

Science or its equivalents, and a valid Licence. This Course also falls under the basic
concept of Train The Trainers. Participating instructors will specialise in the physical
development of players, and are taught the importance of structuring, delivering the
training sessions and planning ahead for the forth-coming football season. They also
become familiar with conducting physical conditioning tests and all the football
specific actions that relate to this aspect of the game. The duration of the Course is 68
hours, with practical, theoretical and oral examinations. There is only one level of
Conditioning instructorship.
Participation

criteria

for

becoming

an

AFC

Conditioning

Instructor:

1. AFC A Coaching Certificate/Conditioning Coaching Certificate with a valid Licence.

2. Minimum Bachelors degree in Physical Education/Sport Science or its equivalent.
3.
Playing
and
Coaching
experience
(supporting
CV).
4.
Written
and
spoken
English
(continental
and
regional
level).
5.
Able
to
conduct
both
the
Theoretical
and
Practical
Sessions.
6.
Physically
and
medically
fit.
7.
Knowledgeable
(well-informed),
good
communication
skills.
8.
Convincing
(able
to
convince),
fair
and
objective.
9.
Basic
Powerpoint
skills,
computer
literate.
10. Not exceeding 60 years.

Becoming a Coach is never going to be an easy job as one not only needs to learn
about the methods but also implement and practice the same in examinations and
during Coaching assignments. A candidate needs to apply for a D- first which is
the introductory level of Coaching. If the candidate has represented the National
Team as an International player then he could directly apply for C- without having
to go through the D-License course.

A D-License Coach could ply his trade at Grassroots or School/College/University

level coaching that would provide him with necessary coaching experience before
moving on to higher level of coaching. An application of a coaching course for AIFF
D, AFC C and AFC B-License must be sent via State Associations. Any other

application could be accepted only on recommendation by The AIFF. Applications

for AFC A and Pro license would be considered only on the recommendations of the
Instructor at the AIFF and

not

by State Associations or any other affiliated units.

The FAs education arm FA Learning has a comprehensive approach to training coaches from grassroots to
elite level. There is a coaching pathway which maps the journey from a new coach undertaking his or her
first training course right through to taking the top qualifications needed to manage an international side.
There are three strands of coaching courses: the main strand covers the entry Level One coaching certificate
and leads up to the UEFA Pro Licence, held by top club and national side managers. The second strand
features specialist courses, including goalkeeping, Futsal and disability football. The third strand covers ageappropriate courses, including The FA Youth Award.
The first step for new coaches is to take the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football, which is
available throughout the country. It covers the organisation and delivery of safe and enjoyable coaching
sessions for players. The course will provide practical drills to develop players technical skills and is suited to
those working with groups of young players.
The Level Two Certificate in Coaching Football provides a more in-depth understanding of coaching. The
course also introduces new themes such as looking at different coaching styles, preparing for accidents and
emergencies and players nutritional needs.
The Level Three Certificate in Coaching Football teaches coaches to apply the principles of performance
profiling. This knowledge will aid them to evaluate player and team performance and set goals accordingly.
Coaches learn how to analyse matches, assess fitness, provide a psychological analysis of players and build
on nutritional awareness.
The UEFA A Licence is the highest practical coaching award available. It follows the UEFA B Licence and
can lead onto the FA Academy Managers or the UEFA Pro Licence award. The content meets UEFA guidelines
and the course runs for a minimum of 120 hours. It is suitable for coaches working with a team playing 11a-side.
The FA Youth Award Introductory Module is a groundbreaking new course encouraging coaches to know
as much about their young players as they do about the game. This one-day course provides an introduction
to The FA Youth Award, which looks at how to coach young players as well as what to teach them.
The FA Youth Award Module One Developing the Environment represents a brand new approach to
coaching and is essential for anyone involved in the junior game, at any level. Young players develop at
different rates physically, technically, socially and psychologically. A mix of theory and practical sessions,
coaches will learn how to motivate young players and manage their self-esteem.
The FA Youth Award Module Two Developing the Practice teaches coaches to develop practices
appropriate for the maturity levels of their players. Coaches will be expected to deliver and evaluate
coaching practices to address different levels of player development. This is most suited to club coaches who
are keen to improve their own personal development.
The FA Youth Award Module Three Developing the Player continues the progressive change in
coaching philosophy. Complementing the knowledge learned on the preceding modules, this course teaches

coaches to have a truly player-centred approach when coaching and development our young players. The
course comprises both practical and theory sessions.
The FA Youth Award Module One Developing the Environment represents a brand new approach to
coaching and is essential for anyone involved in the junior game, at any level. Young players develop at
different rates physically, technically, socially and psychologically. A mix of theory and practical sessions,
coaches will learn how to motivate young players and manage their self-esteem.

Our Coaches Partner, McDonalds, are giving away hundreds of free places on the FA Youth Award Module 1
across England, to help you move up the coaching qualification ladder. Click here to find out how you can
apply.

the UEFA Pro Licence is a coaching licence from UEFA (the governing body of football in Europe). The UEFA Pro
Licence is the final coaching qualification available, and follows the completion of the UEFA 'B' and 'A' Licences.[1]
A UEFA Pro Licence is required by anyone who wishes to manage a football club in the top level of the nation's
league system on a permanent basis (i.e. more than 12 weeks the amount of time an unqualified caretaker
manager is allowed to take control). This applies to both the head coach or team manager, and such a licence is also
required to manage in the UEFA Champions League orUEFA Europa League.[2]
Each current manager of a top-flight team in Europe was set a deadline of 2010 to acquire the licence, or else face
losing his post.[3]
The course contains workshops involving topics from fitness to injury prevention and player agents to transfer
protocols. There are three levels of progression, with each focusing on more in-depth detail.
Managerial heavyweights such as Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello have lent their experience
to course students over the years.[1]
In 2003, the Premier League chairmen agreed to making the qualification a mandatory requirement to manage at the
top level in England.[citation needed] Although The Football Association has granted a few extensions, all then-current
managers had until 2010. It was introduced following agreement between the Premier League, Professional
Footballers' Association and League Managers Association in 2000 to bring England into line with UEFA regulations.

Qualification[edit]
Following an induction period, those wishing to qualify for the Pro-Licence need to undergo a year-long course which
involves around 240 hours of study combining a mixture ofdistance learning, online learning and conference calls.
Once this has been successfully completed there is a residential study week at University of Warwick.[4]

The UEFA Pro Licence is the final qualification and follows the completion of the UEFA 'B' and 'A' Licences.[1]
In 2003, an FA Coaching Diploma was awarded to all coaches who had at least 10 years' experience of being a
manager or head coach or who had attended that summer's Diploma Course.
Coaches are essential for teaching and developing players at every level of football. To give their players the best
advantage, coaches must be aware of the latest techniques and philosophies involved in coaching the game.
The FA provides a series of training courses for coaches from Level One through to the most advanced UEFA Pro
Licence. The courses are packed with expert knowledge and cover all areas of player development.
For first time coaches, the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football course is available throughout the country and
will prepare you for life as a football coach.
This course provides an introduction to the organisation and delivery of safe and enjoyable coaching sessions for
players. The course will provide practical drills to develop players technical skills such as shooting, turning with the
ball and heading. It is ideally suited to those working with groups of young players.
Aspiring coaches will also learn about The FAs Long-Term Player Development programme and how coaches should
be addressing the 'four corners' of a players development: technical, physical, social and psychological. This covers
the different ways that players learn and develop, to pitch coaching at the right level for different players. The courses
are delivered by your local County FA in local venues.
The FA requires all coaches in FA Charter Standard clubs to be FA qualified in order to ensure quality technical
development for players. Its important for qualified coaches to continue to develop themselves for the benefit of their
team too.
FA regional coaches deliver up to 200 in-service coaching events each season, providing practical advice on different
aspects of coaching. Coaches can also sign up to be a member of FACA, The FA Coaches Association, to receive
essential support as part of an exclusive members club.
Are you interested in taking your coaching skills to the next level? Thanks to McDonalds, our Coaches Partner, you
have the opportunity to win one of hundreds of free places on FA Youth Module 1 coaching courses across
England. Click here to find out how you can apply.

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The Western India Football Association (WIFA) under the aegis of the All India Football
Federation has laid the foundation to the coaching ladder with the introduction of the AIFF
D License coaching programme, which is the first of its kind in India.
Its now possible to become an AIFF certified football coach and an individual has the
opportunity to progress further by constantly enhancing his skills and knowledge and further
acquire higher certifications of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) subject to the set
criterias. AIFF D LICENSE PROGRAMME

The AIFF D License has been conducted all

across Maharashtra by WIFA, the governing body of Football for Maharashtra. The course has
been started with the vision of producing 5000 licensed football coaches across Maharashtra
in the next three years.
Henry Menezes, CEO of WIFA says, We want to make it mandatory for all schools, colleges
and football clubs across Maharashtra to appoint licensed coaches for all teams by the year
2013 and the discussion in this regard are in progress with the District Associations for
implementation. At present, there are over 300 clubs and 900 school and college teams in
Mumbai. These numbers get multiplied tenfold when we look at other football hubs across
Maharashtra such as Pune, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Thane, Akola, etc.
Souter Vaz, Hon. Secretary WIFA, adds, Our aim is to educate the coaches with proper
coaching methods used internationally which will enable them to instil strong football
fundamentals at the grassroots. This will result in a larger pool of quality players for the
future. For this to happen we need to have qualified and experienced coaches working with
youth and children.

The D licence course has provided an ideal

introduction to football coaching.
The course is open to any person over 18 years of age having football playing experience, a
passion for football, an interest in coaching and the motivation to improve skills and
understanding.
The course would be conducted by AIFF instructors.

AIFF D LICENSE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:

The 6 day non-residential course will comprise of theory and practical elements Theory
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Role of the coach

Warm up
Planning a coaching Session
Principles of Play
Age Specific Training
Coaching Children
Nutrition For Football
Injury Prevention & Management
Hygiene, Sports Safety & Injury Prevention
Health Care for Footballers
Emergency first aid
Children ensuring safety in football

Post Course Performance Analysis

Candidates are required to keep a log-book, recording the development of their individual
action plan and details of planning, preparing and evaluating training sessions.
Candidates should also undertake a minimum of 40 hours coaching using techniques and
principles, and provide evidence of coaching both adults and children.

Sample Schedule

Final Assessment
Candidates will be assessed based on their performance during the course
Certificates will be awarded to successful candidates.
*Course Fee: Rs. 5000/- (All Inclusive)
*The AIFF D License course fee of Rs. 5000 should be submitted along with the application
form to the respective District associations. Payments can be made by Cash / Pay Order /
DD favouring Western India Football Association.

Forms can also be collected & submitted from the following Centres in Mumbai:

1) Western India Football Association Cooperage, Churchgate

2) Mumbai District Football Association Ground Parel & Cooperage

How to Become a Football Coach: Education and Career Roadmap

Learn what you need to do to become a football coach. Research the education, career requirements and experience
required for starting a career in coaching.
View 6 Popular Schools

Do I Want to Be a Football Coach?

A football coach leads a team of football players by organizing practices, designing plays and determining a depth
chart. While organized football leagues are available at the junior high and high school level, most full-time football
coaches find opportunities at the postsecondary and professional levels. Junior high and high schools often hire
football coaches who also work as teachers in the school system.
Because football is a team game and extremely physical, football coaches may need to motivate players and inspire
team play. They also may need to travel for away games and other sporting events. Coaches usually must work
evenings and weekends, when a lot of football games are scheduled.
Job Requirements

There are technically no formal postsecondary education requirements for football coaches, and in some cases,
experience in the sport may be enough. Some positions, such as K-12 teaching and sports instructor jobs, will
generally require a bachelor's degree and certification. Helpful majors include physical education, sports science and
coaching education. Before obtaining a head football coach position, an individual will typically need to work as an
assistant. The table below includes the requirements for coaches in general, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Requirements

Degree Level

A degree may not be required, but a bachelor's degree may

be necessary for some positions

Degree Name

Sport coaching education, physical education, exercise and

sports science

Licensure or Certification

Coaches who want to teach at the K-12 level must earn a

state teaching license

Experience

Experience as an athlete can prepare an individual to work

as a coach; experience as an assistant coach will often be
necessary before obtaining a head coaching position

Key Skills

In addition to having a strong understanding of the game,

coaches need to be good leaders, very detail-oriented and
excellent communicators

Step 1: Learn About the Game

While not all coaches have the size or skills to play football at the junior high or high school level, it's important for
prospective coaches to have a love of the game and follow football at the high school, college or professional level.
Learning the basic rules, strategies and technicalities of the game is essential to functioning as an effective coach.
Success Tip

Participate in organized football. Playing the game at the high school level is an
option for some individuals; however, if an individual is unable to play on a team,
opportunities are also available to work as a team manager. This is a chance to be
around the game and learn about practices, team camaraderie and pre-game and
post-game rituals.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Football coaches planning to work in public schools need to earn a bachelor's degree. Coaching at the middle and
high school level may require prospective coaches to become teachers. To prepare for certification as a teacher at the
middle or high school level, students typically need to major in a specific subject area, such as math, physical
education, English or history. They will also need to complete coursework focused on education and complete a
student teaching experience.
Success Tips

Take courses that are relevant to coaching. An aspiring coach may choose to study
subjects like leadership, coaching and physical education at the undergraduate level.
While these programs may not cover specific football related topics, they will prepare
students to lead teams and help their players reach their full potential. The
curriculum in a coaching-related program at the bachelor's degree level will teach
students about physical conditioning, sports psychology, injury prevention, nutrition
and athletic training.

Gain football experience at the postsecondary level. While a bachelor's degree is a

requirement to work as a coach, it's also important for prospective coaches to gain
football experience. Many individuals who want to become football coaches are
former collegiate players who want to stay in the game. Those who want to become
coaches and are not collegiate players, can work as voluntary team managers and
assist with practices.

Step 3: Gain Teaching Licensure

Teaching licensure, also known as teaching certification, is required by all 50 states for individuals who want to
teach public school at the K-12 level. An aspiring football coach who wants to work as a teacher at a public middle

or high school will need to pass a licensing exam and complete the appropriate teaching experiences and coursework
in order to be licensed.
Step 4: Gain Coaching Experience

Football coaches often begin their careers as assistants. While each team has an offensive and defensive coordinator,
new coaches will work as position coaches. At the college and professional level, each position has a coach who
works with them in practice and in meetings. For example, quarterbacks, linebackers, wide receivers, defensive
lineman and running backs all have their own position coach. In order to advance into large collegiate or
professional football coaching positions, coaching experience, a winning record and awards are commonly required.