Since 1970, the US Soccer Federation has offered coaching education courses to prospective soccer coaches across the nation in an effort to raise the level of the game. Since the initial introduction of these courses, waves of updates and changes have evolved with the game, with various organizations taking active roles in advancing the quality of education. This year, Minnesota United is proud to join the initiative by hosting a USSF B License course right here in Blaine.
This course is the fourth level of USSF certification, two steps below the certification recommended for coaches of professional teams. A total of 120 education hours are split between online and in-person sessions, with instruction focused on running effective training sessions and learning proper player management.
Three instructors, including MNUFC Academy coach Justin Ferguson, will be leading the participants through this year’s course. The field of coaches includes members of MNUFC’s partner clubs across the region, as well as several of the club’s own academy coaches. Manager of Youth Camps and Clinics Scott Macleod has taken charge of organizing this course, and he noted the demand for such events in this area.
“We sent out invites and opened up registration, and it filled up within 48 hours,” Macleod said. “There aren’t normally a whole lot of these courses offered around here, so we’re hoping to help fill the gap and give people a chance to get their certifications done every year.”
MNUFC joins several other MLS clubs in this initiative, with plans to make this a yearly occurrence and help elevate the level of coaching in the upper midwest region. As soccer continues to grow in the USA, courses like this make it possible for team management and instruction to keep pace with player development, and as one aspect of the game rises, so does the other.
For those interested in starting their coaching education, visit the US Soccer Learning Center. Grassroots courses are between $25 and $75 to take, and walk coaches through the basics of 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. From there, the courses require progressively more experience and funds to complete, in a setup that’s designed to gradually and naturally improve coaching ability as you gain real-world experience.
As the club continues to look for ways to improve the game in the Twin Cities, courses like this are invaluable. Keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities to get involved with the beautiful game and MNUFC in the future, and remember, this game is for everyone.
