Beginning on Sept. 30, 21 professional players from the National Women’s Soccer League will gather in Herriman, Utah to embark on a 10-week coaching education experience as the candidates look to complete the U.S. Soccer C License Course.
Here are five things you should know about this landmark opportunity for aspiring coaches from across the U.S.:
NWSL-U.S. Soccer Partnership
The first-of-its-kind partnership between U.S. Soccer, NWSL and Utah Royals FC represents the first opportunity for female professional soccer players to take a course designed for them as a first step into the coaching profession. In providing a positive developmental experience within the coaching environment, the U.S. Soccer C Course allows participants to further consider their professional opportunities beyond their playing careers. The unique coaching education initiative is part of the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education department’s continuing efforts to provide accessible education to all coaches, including opportunities to increase the number of female soccer coaches in the United States, NWSL and U.S. Soccer.
Cost-Free Free thanks to U.S. Soccer Donors
The entire 10-week course is being provided cost-free for the 21 NWSL players, courtesy of a small set of generous, individual donors to U.S. Soccer. The donors helped pay the cost and course fee to ensure players could access this important opportunity. U.S. Soccer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donors continue to support critical programs to develop world-class players, coaches and National Teams through the U.S. Soccer Development Fund. Learn more about the Development Fund at ussoccer.com/fund or donate at ussoccer.com/donate.
Course Structure
The first in-person meeting of the course, running from Sept. 30-Oct. 7 at Zions Bank Real Academy Training Center, consists of classroom learning and field sessions. This educational phase of the course is followed by an eight-week mentorship period at each candidates’ home environment. The course concludes with a final in-person assessment meeting back at Real Academy from Dec. 7-9.
First-ever U.S. Soccer C License offered to NWSL players
While the first U.S. Soccer Coaching Course offered exclusively to NWSL players was the E Course in 2015, the C License represents the highest possible licensing opportunity offered to NWSL players. Provided to both NWSL and MLS players meeting minimum requirements, the C License offers professional players with an immediate step into coaching as a profession.
COURSE ROSTER
With all nine NWSL clubs represented, the course roster includes four players who have played for the U.S. Women’s National Team, 12 players who have played for the USA’s Youth National Teams and two players who have played internationally for other countries (Nigeria and New Zealand)
Nicole Barnhart (Utah Royals)
Elizabeth Eddy (NC Courage)
Amanda Frisbie (Sky Blue FC)
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit)
Darian Jenkins (NC Courage)
Sammy Jo Prudhomme (Houston Dash)
Haley Kopmeyer (Orlando Pride)
Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride)
Mandy Laddish (Utah Royals)
Alyssa Mautz (Chicago Red Stars)
Meg Morris (Portland Thorns)
Rebecca Morros (Utah Royals)
Heather O'Reilly (NC Courage)
Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit)
Angela Salem (Portland Thorns)
Abby Smith (Utah Royals)
Michele Vasconcelos (Chicago Red Stars)
Mallory Weber (Portland Thorns)
Tiffany Weimer (Washington Spirit)
Rosie White (Chicago Red Stars)
Beverly (Goebel) Yanez (Seattle Reign)