YOUTH TEAM COACHING

There is no secret formula for the successful preparation of a football team. However, the Scottish FA’s programme for youth training should be a useful guide to any coach.

The tasks involved in managing a team are multiple. Planning, promotion, organisation, people management, and teaching are all essential. Master the basics, and work on every aspect of the game, with the help of the Scottish FA’s tried and tested methods.

The SFA’s coaching programme aims to bring out the best in young players. A video and published material are available.  There are five courses aimed at those wishing to be involved in youth team coaching.  These courses follow a progression towards the Scottish FA Youth Licence.

Level One – Development Activities Certificate
This 6-hour course is open to anyone working with players in the 12 to 18 year age range. The course comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Youth Team Management and Physical Preparation.  Applicants must be aged 16 or over.

Level Two – Coaching Youth Footballers Certificate
This 12-hour course is designed to provide youth coaches with ideas on the key issues involved in the development of youth players. It takes account of individual skill development in a variety of game related situations. Prospective coaches will be given feedback on teaching practice sessions.  Applicants must be aged 16 or over and have completed level one Development Activities Certificate course.

Level Three – Coaching in the Game Certificate
In both Children’s and Youth Awards Structures, the 12-hour Coaching in the Game Certificate Course looks at the knowledge and understanding required to help young players appreciate concepts such as width, depth and support within the small-sided game. The course is largely practical in nature and prospective coaches are required to demonstrate the ability to coach basic strategies to young players. *Applicants must be aged 16 or over and be in possession of both level one Development Activities and level two Coaching Youth Footballers Certificates. There are 45 places available on these courses, issued on a first come, first served basis.

Physical Preparation Course for coaches working with youth footballers
This 14-hour course is held over 2 one-day sessions and is appropriate to coaches or others working with youth players (12 to 18 years). The course includes both theoretical and practical aspects relating to the physical preparation of young people in a football context.

Level Four – Youth Award
This 30-hour non-residential qualification assesses competence in delivering a coaching session based on the format of the Coaching Youth Footballers Certificate Course. In addition, candidates will be required to demonstrate the ability to shape a team and structure an individual programme for youth players. Please note that UEFA Advanced Licence holders are exempt from this award. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced check by disclosure Scotland undertaken by the Association.

Level Five – Youth Licence
This intensive course is designed for coaches working with youth players (12 to 18 years). The practical content of the course involves coaching practice in a variety of game situations focusing on all aspects of youth development. The theoretical input is concerned with, amongst other issues, physical, psychological, social and personal development. The content is delivered in 3 x 4-day sessions.

Candidates will then be advised of their suitability to apply for an assessment at a cost of £50 (70 Euro) (US$90) per component. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced check by disclosure Scotland undertaken by the association. Applicants for this course must be 18 years of age or over and must be in possession of the Development Activities, Coaching Youth Footballers, Coaching in the Game, Physical Preparation certificates, along with the Youth Award. Please note that there is a maximum of 24 places available on each of these courses, issued on a first come, first served basis. 

Youth Licence Re-Assessment Days
The above days are offered to all students who have attended Licence courses in the last 5 years and who wish to be considered for practical re-assessment. Individual coaching themes will be forwarded to candidates approximately 14 days prior to re-assessment date. 

For further information, e-mail us at coaching@scottishfa.co.uk providing us with your full name and postal address.

Or write to :
Football Development Department
SFA
Hampden Park
Glasgow G42 9AY

Tel: 0141-616 6071/2/3
Fax: 0141-616 6076