Soccer is by far the world’s most popular game. Many aspiring coaches look for jobs and openings daily. However, becoming a professional football coach requires knowledge of strategies, soccer formations, and networking skills. You don’t have to be a high-level player to become a professional soccer coach, but having a solid resume does make the process a lot easier.
For one, being a professional player makes you well versed in the game. You’ll be familiar with tactical and professional challenges, and two, you’ll have strong connections with a lot of people.
Steps to Becoming a Soccer Coach
Whether you are a professional or non-professional, you’ll need to fulfill a particular set of criteria to become a soccer coach.
Qualifications
There is a set of professional qualifications you’ll have to achieve. You may require a degree in sports science or sports management. UEFA coaching licenses are another primary requirement. The course you complete should cover topics like FIFA structure, an overview of coach salaries at different tiers, nutritional details of an athlete, etc.
The course will also cover coaching methodologies, tactical periodization principles, high-intensity interval training, and mental aspects like leadership, motivation, and communication.
Playing Experience
While universities may not explicitly insist on formal playing experience, aspirants who have it will stand a better chance of getting the job than aspirants who don’t. If you have playing experience, it means you’re already very familiar with the game. You have the required knowledge of tactics, athletics, soccer formations, and other crucial elements of the game.
Experience in Coaching
Anyone trying to make it as a future soccer coach must gain coaching experience along the way. It may be a good idea to start volunteering to build your network and learn more about coaching school teams and university teams. You can also try out internships at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America website.
Licenses
To become a professional coach, you will need specific licenses and certifications to become. There is no shortcut to rising in the ranks. You cannot pay your way into the job either. It will take a lot of hard work and exposure to join a professional club finally.
There are some industry-specific qualifications as well. Most of the certifications are offered by the USSF. There are five certification levels: A, B, C, D, and E. Level E certification is for beginners.
Psychological Factors
Being a coach is a strenuous task mentally. You will have to deal with a lot of responsibility and accountability. Planning and executing drills and soccer formations, understanding the opposition, preparing the game tactics, working on the team’s fitness, etc., are only some of the duties you’ll have to shoulder. A good coach should display qualities like leadership, orator ship, intelligence, and tact.
There Is No Easy Way to Making It
As a future coach, you’ll first have to know the game well. The rules of the game and the strategies of the match are critical determinants of success. Though certifications are only secondary to knowledge and skill, coaching requires formal certifications as well. Real success will depend on how good you are at working your way up with your determination and skills.