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Creating Inclusive Coach Development Pathways

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United Soccer Coaches

Sep 30, 2025
10 mins
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ITG CASE STUDY

Summary

United Soccer Coaches’ Undeserved Communities Initiative expanded access to educational resources for coaches at all levels. The case study provides insights into the different strategies they used and highlights learnings that other organizations can take away.

This program has been supported by an ITG grant. Recognizing the vital role that Federation Members play in the growth of soccer in the U.S., the Innovate to Grow Fund was established in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to make soccer more accessible to all. 

HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP

  • To inform program design for other organizations exploring innovative approaches to grow and diversify participation, especially among coaches.
  • To demonstrate how ITG funding supports sustainable and inclusive soccer programs.
  • When identifying scalable models that can be replicated in other communities.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

It highlights innovative approaches to soccer development, with lessons that other organizations can learn from and adapt.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE 

  • How will your program identify and address barriers to coaching participation in your community?
  • What partnerships within the communities you are trying to reach will be needed to ensure the design and delivery of the program is effective?
  • What needs to be changed or adapted about this case study to make it relevant in your context? 

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

United Soccer Coaches is a unifying voice, advocate, and partner for the development of coaches at all levels of the game. The mission of United Soccer Coaches is to provide programs and services that enhance, contribute to, and advocate for the development and recognition of soccer coaches, players, and the game. United Soccer Coaches is an active member of U.S. Soccer Federation. To learn more visit unitedsoccercoaches.org.

CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS

The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.

All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.

Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.