Scholarships for Coaching Soccer

Football (or soccer as it is known in the US) is the world's most popular sport, played by over 300 million people worldwide. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in the sport outside of playing; one of these is by coaching a team. Various scholarships can be gained in order to gain instruction in coaching a junior or adult team.

  1. Gaining a scholarship

    • Soccer drills

      Often, a school or college will partly fund the costs associated with the course. Depending on how good you are at soccer, as well as how you do on such standardized tests as the SAT, around 70%-100% of tuition can be paid for. Serious soccer players should be competing in a high level league in order to attract the attention of colleges. However, for applicants over the age of eighteen, scholarships may have to be funded privately by either a local business or the soccer club itself. Application forms can be found on the website of the local football league you are applying to, or through the school/ university itself and are to be returned before the set deadline.

    The costs

    • A soccer ball

      In order to coach a team at any competitive level, a coaching qualification is required. The costs involved rise depending on the level of qualification gained. For example, a basic level one coaching badge for junior teams would cost less than a level two badge for semi-professional clubs; therefore more funding would be needed. Most colleges offer degrees in soccer coaching and therefore funding is provided directly by the college based on the decision of the coach. Costs of courses range from around $500 to $5000 depending on the organization running the course, plus deductions from the scholarship itself. This covers tuition fees and exam entries.

    Course Information

    • Ball skills

      The course consists of various modules based around coaching young players. Coaches will teach the required skills, both classroom and pitch-based. Although not all coaching courses are the same, the exams remain similar. Candidates are assesed practically on how well they meet a range of coaching objectives and must also sit for exams which test their knowledge of the sport and health and safety. Exams take place either at a college (if studying towards a degree) or alternatively at an external center for private candidates. Once the relevant course has been passed and a certificate awarded, coaching can begin.