Soccer Coaching Licenses and Qualifications
Wondering what qualifications you need to coach youth soccer in the United States? US Soccer oversees a national coaching education pathway through the US Soccer Learning Center that takes coaches from their first certification all the way to the professional level.
Here, we break down each stage of the pathway and explain how We Make Footballers helps franchise owners get coaching-ready from day one.
The US Soccer Coaching License Pathway
The pathway starts with a free, 20-minute Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module on the US Soccer Learning Center. This is the required prerequisite for all other coaching courses. Once completed, coaches can take any of the four Grassroots License courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11), each available as a 4-hour in-person course or a 2-hour online course. No prior coaching experience is required, and coaches can take them in any order. These courses cover US Soccer's Play-Practice-Play methodology, the Six Tasks of a Grassroots Coach, and age-appropriate player development for children aged 4 to 12.
Introduction to Grassroots Coaching
This free, 20-minute online module on the US Soccer Learning Center is the starting point for every coach in the United States. It introduces US Soccer's coaching philosophy, the Play-Practice-Play methodology, and the principles of creating positive environments for young players.
There is no requirement to have any previous coaching experience. All you need is an account on the US Soccer Learning Center and an internet connection. Completing this module is required before registering for any other US Soccer coaching course.
Grassroots Licenses
US Soccer offers four Grassroots License courses covering the core game formats: 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. Each is available as a 4-hour in-person course or a 2-hour online course, and they can be taken in any order. The courses build on the principles covered in the Introduction to Grassroots Coaching and are designed for coaches working with players aged 4 to 12. You'll learn about US Soccer's Play-Practice-Play methodology, the Six Tasks of a Grassroots Coach, and how to create age-appropriate sessions that keep children engaged and developing. Each course costs around $25.
The Introduction to Coaching Football course is aimed at those wishing to take the next step toward a career in coaching. If you’re passionate about developing players and inspiring in them your love of football, then this is the next stage of your journey. It includes a module on safeguarding, which is vital for those planning to coach children.
It’s a blend of e-learning, live weekly webinars, online resources and community support, and aims to provide you with the skill you need to start coaching players of all ages. You’ll need to work through the e-learning modules, which you can do at your own pace, and you’ll also need to complete an online assessment.
National D License
The National D License is the first formal coaching license in the US Soccer pathway and marks the transition from grassroots to competitive coaching.
The course spans nine weeks and combines in-person sessions, virtual meetings, assignments, and mentoring with a licensed US Soccer educator. It covers all four game models (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11) and the six key tasks of coaching.
To be eligible, you'll need to have completed at least two in-person Grassroots courses (one of which must be the 11v11) and one online Grassroots course. The D License costs between $200 and $500 depending on the hosting organization.
National C License
The National C License is designed for coaches working with competitive youth teams aged U-13 to U-17.
It's a four-month course that combines weekly virtual meetings, independent learning using online modules, and a four-day in-person meeting led by a licensed US Soccer educator.
The course covers the core concepts of coaching at a competitive level, including training session design, game management, and long-term player development. To be eligible, you must hold a D License for at least six months, be at least 18 years of age, and be currently coaching a team. The C License costs between $1,500 and $2,000.
Coaching At A High Level
Beyond grassroots, the pathway progresses through the National D License (9 weeks, blended learning, requires two in-person Grassroots courses plus one online), the National C License (4 months, requires holding a D License for at least 6 months), and into the professional tier: the B License (focuses on U13–U17 development), the A License (10-month course for senior and college-level coaching), and the Pro License (required for MLS head coaches). All coaches working with minors must also complete SafeSport certification and a background check.
National B License
The National B License is designed for coaches ready to step into high-performance environments with players aged U-13 and above. The course will deepen your understanding of team and player development, helping you build training sessions that challenge and inspire at a competitive level. Over six months, you'll work through 120+ hours of virtual learning, independent study, and two sets of four-day in-person meetings led by licensed US Soccer educators. You'll need to hold a C License for at least one year and have three or more years of coaching experience.
National A License (Youth and Senior)
The A License is where coaching becomes a serious professional pursuit. US Soccer offers two tracks: A-Youth, focused on developing elite players aged U-13 to U-19 in academy environments, and A-Senior, focused on coaching senior teams in college or professional settings. Both are 10-month courses with three in-person residencies, regular virtual sessions, and a final assessment. Candidates must hold a B License for at least one year. Whether your ambition is shaping the next generation of professional players or leading a team at the highest level, the A License will give you the tools to get there.
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Pro License
The Pro License is the highest coaching qualification available in the United States and is required for MLS head coaches. The course covers elite-level leadership, tactical analysis, team management, and media relations over a 12-month period, with three five-day in-person residencies and onsite visits to your club by US Soccer instructors. Candidates must hold an A License for at least one year and be actively coaching in MLS, NWSL, USL, or on a US National Team staff. If your goal is to coach at the very top of the game in America, this is the qualification that gets you there.
Your journey
Whatever path you take, soccer coaching comes with its highs and challenges. The difference is that you'll be working in a sport you care about, having a real impact on the players and families you work with.
Every level plays an important role, and there's no expectation to go further than you want to. With the right mindset, consistency and commitment, your chosen level is achievable. At We Make Footballers, we support coaches to build a career in soccer that not only provides a living, but creates the opportunity for a sustainable and profitable future in the game.
Getting into Coaching without Experience
You don't need prior coaching experience to get started. Here are several ways to enter the field of soccer coaching in the United States:
Start with US Soccer Grassroots: The Introduction to Grassroots Coaching module is free and takes just 20 minutes. From there, the Grassroots license courses are affordable and widely available through local member organizations across the country. Visit the US Soccer Learning Center to find courses near you.
Volunteer locally: Many rec leagues, school programs, and community clubs need volunteer coaches. This is the simplest way to gain hands-on experience while deciding whether coaching is right for you.
Join a coaching franchise: With We Make Footballers, you receive 3 days of intensive training at our Miami offices covering coaching methodology, child protection, and business operations. Our WMF Coach Training Program and ongoing mentoring give you everything you need to coach confidently from your first session, even without a formal coaching background.
An Excellent Opportunity
Many people are looking for opportunities to work for themselves, do a job they enjoy, or earn additional income outside of their 9-to-5 career. Soccer coaching can deliver all three. The US Soccer licensing pathway offers continual progression, and with youth soccer participation at record levels ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the demand for qualified coaches has never been higher.
Start Your Coaching Career with We Make Footballers
If you want to get started in coaching, our soccer franchise opportunity gives coaches everything they need to build a career in the game. We provide the training, the curriculum, the technology, and the business support. If you're interested in taking on a rewarding and profitable career as a soccer coach, get in touch today and speak to us about getting started.
