CHICAGO (Feb. 28, 2018) – Beginning today, coaches across the country will have the opportunity to undergo U.S. Soccer’s 4v4 Online Grassroots License Course through the Digital Coaching Center. The course marks the first of four Online Grassroots Courses to launch within U.S. Soccer’s Coaching Education pathway. Three more Online Grassroots Courses (7v7, 9v9, 11v11) are set to roll out in the coming months as part of the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department’s concentrated effort to provide accessible education to all coaches.
“We are very excited to roll out the Grassroots 4v4 Online Course,” U.S. Soccer Director of Coaching Administration Frank Tschan said. “The Grassroots initiative is a product of the research, development and collaboration with our members. This 4v4 course, as well as the forthcoming three online courses, will provide every coach across the United States the ability to access educational content, Play-Practice-Play training sessions and U.S. Soccer's Planning Tool. These are learning resources we believe will provide all coaches the necessary support in creating the ideal environment for their Grassroots players.”
The 4v4 Online Grassroots License Course builds on the foundation of the cost-free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module that was introduced in January. Coaches looking to begin their development pathway will start with the introductory module before progressing to any of the eight new grassroots level coaching courses that consist of Online and In-Person courses that focus on the four Grassroots game models (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11). The game models are outlined in U.S. Soccer’s recently launched Player Development Initiatives.
The two-hour, 4v4 Online Grassroots License Course is offered by U.S. Soccer through the DCC, while the In-Person courses are organized and run by U.S. Soccer member organizations [find your local Member here]. The In-Person courses take place over four hours with two hours dedicated to classroom learning and two hours dedicated to coaching on the field. Coaches can contact their local member organization to inquire about scheduling and pricing for In-Person courses. This easy access, low barrier approach to the foundation of the coaching education pathway allows coaches to seek out education related to the environment in which they coach.