ASA partners in education with US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches. We conduct coaching education courses at various times throughout the year to continually raise the level of coaching and soccer within our state. Our Coaching Instructors are here to provide coaches with the tools and knowledge to help their players reach their full potential.
Risk Management
Learn more about our risk management process here.
US Soccer Federation – USSF
Because the US Soccer Federation is the National Governing Body of the United States, they are the only organization recognized by FIFA able to issue a true soccer coaching “license.” Therefore, these licenses carry more weight than other certifications and acceptance into a US Soccer Course. All US Soccer Coaching Education Courses require the creation of a profile within the Learning Center. From there, coaches are able to take courses along the Coaching License Pathway. ASA’s course schedule and specific course information is found in the Learning Center Upcoming Courses.
Participating in a US Soccer Course will see the Coach Educator from Alabama Soccer Association “Engage, guide, support, and challenge coaches to continue improving their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in order to plan, implement and maintain player-centered environments.” These courses are incredible opportunities for the student coach to experience reality-based assignments and activities that utilize experiential learning and result in the holistic growth of the person & coach. If you are a club who wishes to host a Grassroots Course or D License, please fill out this form and send an email to kevin@alsoccer.org
United Soccer Coaches
United Soccer Coaches Education is designed with flexibility in mind for coaches to choose their desired level of entry based on previous experience. Special Topic and Development courses offer unique material and can be taken in any order.
ASA recognizes United Soccer Coaches Diplomas as a coaching education pathway within our Coaching Requirements & Recommendations.
Female Coaches Group
The Alabama Female Coaches Group (AFCG) exists to connect female coaches with each other, provide educational opportunities, and create a network of support for each other from both male and female coaches. With about 50% of participants in youth sports being females, it is our purpose to bring attention to this half of the population by helping coaches further their players’ enjoyment of sport, increase their knowledge, and improve the quality of instruction. It is also our purpose to help bridge the gap between male and female coaches. Despite the group name, this group is open to males who coach female players as well as females who coach male players. This group is being formed by soccer coaches but is open to all sports and we encourage other coaches, administrators, parents to also participate. Alabama Soccer Association is the founding member. We are actively seeking the next Female Coaches Group leaders and members.
If you are interested in leading or becoming a member, please reach out to jennifer@alsoccer.org.
We aspire to…
Connect–by bringing together coaches in Alabama to exchange ideas, issues, and solutions that commonly arise as coaches of female players.
Educate–by providing coaching education opportunities, mentorships, and information to help improve the quality of coaching for female players.
Support–by creating a network of coaches to help support each other through mentorship, friendship, and networking.
Coaching Resources
Below you will find resources that are geared towards both new and experienced coaches.
An official Grassroots Education Partner of US Youth Soccer and Alabama Soccer Association, MOJO is your one-stop-shop for all things coaching! You can download the app on your phone and gain access to training plans complete with instructional videos as well as articles to help you best teach your athletes!
US Youth Soccer has created an extensive library of lesson plans, articles, and other resources to help coaches of all levels.
Do you want to teach your athletes more than skills? How can you help your athletes make good decisions in both sport and life? Have you asked yourself, “What kind of coach do I want to be?”
Enter the TrueSport Coaching Education Program powered by TrueSport, the outreach education arm of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and USYS University Foundational Partner. This virtual, interactive program shows coaches how to develop a coaching philosophy, model healthy behaviors, and help their athletes makes good choices.
In the digital tutorial, coaches will work through four modules: Your Coaching Philosophy & Ethics; A Safe, Healthy, & Clean Sporting Environment; The Story Behind Supplements; The Story with Energy Drinks
Learn more and get started today
Use USYSTrueSport20 to receive 20% off the four-course bundle.
Below is a list of books and podcasts that are recommended by Alabama Soccer Association’s Technical Director.
Books
The Coaching Habit – Stanier
Presence – Amy Cuddy
Fierce Conversations – Susan Scott
Start With Why – Simon Sinek
Grit – Angela Duckworth
Midset – Carol Dweck
The Power of Moments – Chip & Dan Heath
The Agony of Victory – Steve Friedman
Outliers – Malcom Gladwell
Teach Like a Champion – Doug Lemov
Practice Perfect – Doug Lemov
Podcasts
The Talent Equation
Way of Champions