Education

Which Coaching Education Pathway Should I Choose?

The decision of which pathway is left to the coach and/or his or her Club. Both programs have designed their entry level coaching courses to reflect the age groups of players. While the philosophy and coaching methodologies taught in both programs are nearly identical, some find a difference in the materials and support provided as well as the delivery of the courses themselves.

Some coaches are ambitious and want coaching to be an integral part of their lives. Their goal is to become a high school or college coach one day. 

Other coaches don’t aspire to coach at the high school or college level, but do want to coach a Classic or “competitive” team in the Louisiana Classic Soccer League (“LCSL”).

Finally, many coaches simply want to coach their own child and share their early soccer experience with them. are not concerned with coaching at a higher or more competitive level. These coaches will have the biggest impact on grass roots soccer across the state. 

To accommodate all 3 categories of coaches, LSA offers coaching education pathways from both US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches.  Further, LSA recognizes licensure from both organizations in its coaching education requirements. LSA simply wants coaches to seek education and finds value in both the US Soccer and the United Soccer Coaches pathways.

Comparing US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches Pathways

Both U.S. Soccer and United Soccer Coaches (“USC”) offer grassroots coach education and coaches have found value in both pathways. Below are some factors a Club should consider when choosing which pathway best serves its coaches.

• Accessibility. While LSA offers both US Soccer and USC courses, USC courses are more readily available because US Soccer limits who can instruct their courses to A- and B-Licensed Coaches who have taken their instructors program. USC limits their instructors to coaches of advanced licensing, coaching experience and experience as a coaching educator.
• Core Philosophy.  Some perceive a difference in organizational philosophies. USC places an emphasis on motivating coaches and being flexible in their approach whereas US Soccer courses are perceived as more rigid and content driven.
• Vertical or Horizontal. US Soccer courses are designed to develop coaches in a vertical pathway from their Grassroots courses to their national licenses. For those interested in coaching at a very high level, the US Soccer pathway might be the logical choice. USC has a more horizontal approach to coaching education. Coaches on this pathway want the important information they need to be comfortable and effective, but do not necessarily seek to ascend a coaching or career ladder.

The coaching educational pathways are similar. The Grassroots Pathway offered by US Soccer provides very similar educational philosophies and methodologies as do the Development Pathway offered by United Soccer Coaches.  Which pathway is right for you is a matter of personal preference. Some coaches enjoy the curriculum, methodology and learning environment of one pathway over the other. Coaches should determine which pathway is more user-friendly to them individually. The goal is to learn at courses not to endure them.

Reminder

In order to coach in either the Louisiana Classic Soccer League (“LCSL”) an individual must register with US Soccer’s Digital Coaching Center (“DCC”) and must attain licensure equivalent to the former US Soccer “E” license whether in the US Soccer or in the United Soccer Coaches pathway.