Five Things to Know About the U.S. Soccer Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module

As part of its continued effort to improve the quality of coaching at all levels, the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department has established eight new Grassroots Coaching License Courses that will serve as the foundation of its Coaching License pathway. Preceding these new Grassroots Course offerings is an online, cost-free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module that will serve as an educational tool for coaches to become familiar with U.S. Soccer's approach at the grassroots level. Upon completion of this Introduction Module, coaches will have the ability to advance to any of the eight grassroots courses that best suits their needs.   

Here are five things you should know about the U.S. Soccer Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module:

What is it?

The Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module is the new first step for soccer coaches in the U.S. who are looking to start along their coaching pathway. The module, which is a free, 20-minute online experience through the U.S. Soccer Digital Coaching Center, serves as the first step in obtaining any one of the eight new U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching Licenses: four in-person courses and four online courses across the four grassroots levels: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11. The eight grassroots course options relate directly to small-sided games and the respective age-groups outlined in the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.

How do you take it?

To take the module, you must have a Digital Coaching Center (DCC) profile. If you do not have one, you can create one for free in the U.S. Soccer Digital Coaching Center. After you have created an account, log in to your profile, and select "Courses" from the top menu. Under the "Available Courses" tab, you will see the option to "Begin Course" the introductory module. Once that's clicked, the module will launch, and you will on your way to completing your first Grassroots License!

Who can take the module?

Anyone can take the Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module. There is no prerequisite. It is available to anyone with a Digitial Coaching Center profile. Although it serves as an introduction, the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department highly encourages people of all experience levels to participate. Since it is designed to be an educational tool and preview of future courses, all those involved with U.S. Soccer's philosophy will benefit from taking part in the new experience.

Why is this being introduced into the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education License Pathway?

The Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module serves as an educational tool for coaches to become familiar with U.S. Soccer's approach at the grassroots level, including key terms and concepts that coaches will be exposed to throughout their coaching pathway progression. This cost-free introduction experience will provide coaches with information, resources and first-hand experience as to how the grassroots courses will function. The module is also an opportunity for coaches to get acquainted with the electronic learning portal through which the online courses will be delivered, the U.S. Soccer Digital Coaching Center.

How will I know I have completed it?

Once the introductory module has been completed, the achievement will be visible within the DCC course classroom and participants will be sent a confirmation email. While the completion of the Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module does not result in a U.S. Soccer coaching license, coaches will gain the opportunity to advance to any of the eight grassroots courses of their choosing, across the four grassroots levels: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 (in-person and online).