While it is entirely a coach's personal decision whether to begin the pathway at the Youth Module or the F License on the U.S. Soccer Pathway there are some recommendations. On the NSCAA pathway, you could potentially start as high as the National Diploma, but that may not be the right choice for everyone.
The Youth Modules are for the sole purpose of introducing the recreational level coach to the sport and the coaching methodology that goes with it. NDSA provides these modified courses free to your local clubs.
Coaches with little playing and coaching experience should begin with the F License (US Soccer Pathway) or the Level 1-3 (NSCAA Pathway).
Coaches with playing experience and/or 1-2 years coaching experience could begin at the F License (US Soccer Pathway) or possibly level 4-5 (NSCAA Pathway).
The US Soccer Pathway is the only FIFA license pathway in the United States. All courses through the US Soccer Pathway can be found at the Digital Coaching Center.
NSCAA GK1 (no prerequisite)
NSCAA GK2 (Prerequisite - GK 1)
NSCAA GK3 (Prerequisite - GK 2)
NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma (Prerequisite - GK 3)
No prerequisite
4 hour course (2 hours in classroom and 2 hours on field)
No pre-course work
Each club receives on free youth module (1 or 2) free per year
No prerequisite
8 hour course (2-3 hours in classroom and 5-6 hours on field)
No pre-course work
Each club receives on free youth module (1 or 2) free per year
No prerequisite
2 hour online course
US Soccer Digital Coaching Center Fee - $25
F License Prerequisite
18 hour course (over the course of one weekend)
Pre-course work is required
Member price - $150
US Soccer Digital Coaching Center Fee - $25
'E' License Prerequisite
36 hour course (over the course of two weekend separated by at least ten weeks)
Pre-course work is required and requires about 10 hours of work
Member price - $300
US Soccer Digital Coaching Center Fee - $25
