How to Get a USA Soccer Coaching License
Whether you’re a parent looking to coach your child’s team or a young player considering a future in coaching, getting a U.S. Soccer Coaching License can open the door to opportunities at recreational, club, academy, and even professional levels.
Why Get a Coaching License?
- Boost Coaching Skills: Learn age-appropriate training, player safety, game models, and more.
- Better Opportunities: Many clubs prefer or require licensed coaches, even at the youth level.
- Earn Extra Income: Licensed coaches often get paid for their time, especially in travel and academy teams.
- Empower Your Child’s Team: Be a more supportive and structured influence in your child’s development.
- Start a Career Pathway: U.S. Soccer offers a clear pathway from grassroots to professional coaching
Steps to Start Your Coaching Journey
- Create a free account at the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
- Take the Free “Introduction to Grassroots Coaching” module (30 minutes).
- Choose & complete a Grassroots course based on your preferred game format (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11).
- Coach and gain experience.
- Apply for the D License once eligible, then work your way up the licensing ladder.
Want to Coach at Your Child’s Club?
Many clubs will sponsor or reimburse parent coaches for licensing.
Check with your local club to see if they offer support for training or incentives for licensed volunteers.
Types of Coaching Licenses & Minimum Age
Grassroots Licenses (Minimum age: 16)
- Ideal for: Parents, volunteers, and new coaches.
- Covers: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 formats.
- Cost: $25–$80 per course (online or in-person).
- Time Commitment: 2–4 hours per course.
- More Info & Signup:
Grassroots Courses – U.S. Soccer Learning Center
D License (Minimum age: 18)
- For: Coaches working with competitive/travel teams.
- Prerequisites: At least one grassroots course + 1 year of coaching experience.
- Cost: Around $500.
- More Info & Signup:
D License Overview
C License and Beyond (Minimum age: 18)
- For: Ambitious coaches pursuing college, professional, or national-level careers.
- Pathway: Must complete lower licenses and demonstrate coaching experience.
- Explore Full Pathway:
U.S. Soccer Coaching License Pathway
