| There are many licenses now available for budding | | | | you cannot get the better jobs either. Here's what you |
| soccer coaches, but are they really necessary? In this | | | | should do. Most countries have a soccer licensing |
| article, I'll give you the lowdown. | | | | body, usually the national soccer association, who offer |
| I don't know about you but I hate exams. They are | | | | a variety of qualifications. Just get yourself what is |
| such a pain in the back side. Having to sit down in a hall | | | | normally called the "Level 1" qualification. It's real easy |
| and prove that I know how to coach soccer, or even | | | | and a cinch compared to your high school exams. And |
| worse - having to deliver a presentation to a board of | | | | you'll actually learn a lot too. |
| examiners. Surely all this is not necessary, right? | | | | Once you have your Level 1 badge, you'll find that a lot |
| Sadly, it is so I recommend you face the reality - here's | | | | of doors open to you. People can recognise that you |
| why. | | | | are serious about coaching soccer because you went |
| Nobody needs a license to coach soccer (actually | | | | to the trouble of getting your badge. They'll help you |
| there is one level where you do, more on that later). | | | | get the experience you need to ascend the coaching |
| You just help out some kids or young adults, assist | | | | ranks and maybe one day become pro. |
| them with drills, motivate them, make tactical changes, | | | | Oh yeah, remember how I said that you don't need a |
| plan for your next game etc. Why would you need a | | | | license to coach soccer? Well, actually, the top |
| qualification to do that? Surely, there is no replacement | | | | European coaches now have to take the UEFA Pro |
| for experience? | | | | license to keep their jobs. So, if even the pros have to |
| Yes, experience is more important actually but it's a | | | | take some exams, then one exam for you is not going |
| "chicken and egg" situation. You need a license to get | | | | to hurt now, is it? |
| better jobs to get experience. And without experience, | | | | |