Coaches
Shape the Player. Shape the Game. Shape the Future of Soccer in Alberta
Coaches are the heart of player development. Whether you’re just starting out or pursuing advanced certification, Alberta Soccer supports you with clear pathways, expert guidance, and the training you need to make a meaningful impact on and off the field.
Becoming a coach
Coaching is more than a role
Coaching is a chance to lead, inspire, and give back to the game. Whether you want to support your child’s team, take on a leadership role in your community, or pursue coaching professionally, Alberta Soccer provides a structured path to help you grow into the coach you want to be.
Step 01
Start by creating an account on the NCCP Locker. This gives you your official National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) number and allows you to track your coaching education journey. The Locker is your central hub for all certifications, workshops, and transcripts, and is required for registering in any formal coach education program across Canada.
Step 02
Before stepping onto the field, all coaches must complete a series of Safe Sport eLearning modules. These courses cover important topics such as ethical decision-making, concussion awareness, and creating safe and inclusive spaces. Modules include: Understanding the Rule of Two, Emergency Action Plan, Making Headway in Sport, Make Ethical Decisions, Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders, and Safe Sport Training.
Step 03
Choose the Grassroots Workshop that matches the age group you’ll be coaching. Each course includes an online theory component and an in-person practical session, both designed to help you create positive, age-appropriate training environments.
Advanced Coach Education
Alberta Soccer offers the Canada Soccer C Licence for coaches ready to move beyond grassroots training. Designed for those working with competitive players, this program is the first step in the advanced pathway. Higher-level licences, such as the B and A Licence, are delivered by Canada Soccer and include formal evaluations and progression requirements.
Coaching Pathway
The Alberta Soccer Coaching Pathway provides clear, progressive steps for coaches at all levels.
The Alberta Soccer Coaching Pathway is designed to support coaches from their first workshop through to national certification. Aligned with Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development model, it ensures that every coach receives age-appropriate training and guidance tailored to the players they work with.
The pathway begins with grassroots education for volunteer and community coaches and progresses through advanced licensing for those working in competitive and high-performance environments. With each stage, coaches gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to create positive, development-focused experiences for players across Alberta.
Grassroots Coach Education
Grassroots coaches play a key role in player development. Alberta Soccer provides accessible, age-appropriate training to help new coaches create safe, fun, and inclusive learning environments.
Alberta Soccer delivers Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Coach Education Program to support parents, volunteers, and community members working with young players. The program is built around the Long-Term Player Development model and includes four key workshops: Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learn to Train, and Soccer for Life.
Each workshop focuses on the needs of players at a specific stage, helping coaches create enjoyable and developmentally appropriate experiences. With both online theory and in-person practical sessions, the program is accessible across the province and designed to support the long-term growth of both coaches and players.
coach Licensing
Coach licensing supports growth at every level. Alberta Soccer offers the Canada Soccer C Licence as the entry point for coaches pursuing formal certification beyond grassroots training.
Coaches who want to continue developing can progress through Canada Soccer’s national licensing programs, which include the following certifications:
- Children’s Diploma
- Youth Diploma
- B Licence
- A Licence
- Pro Diploma
- Futsal and Goalkeeping Diplomas
- Technical Director Diploma
These programs are designed for coaches working with competitive players and involve both theoretical and practical components, including formal evaluations at each stage.
Advanced coach programs
For coaches working in competitive environments who want to deepen their knowledge and impact.
The program begins with the Canada Soccer C Licence, delivered by Alberta Soccer, and includes formal evaluations in practical settings. Coaches then have the opportunity to progress through Canada Soccer’s national licensing system.
Eligibility:
- 16+ years old, Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Coaching L2T, T2T, or T2C players
- No grassroots workshops required for C Licence
Licences & Diplomas:
- Children’s, Youth, Youth – A
- B Licence, A Licence, Pro Diploma
- Futsal, Goalkeeping, Technical Director
Please note coaches will have to wait a minimum of 6 months after becoming certified before they can participate in another Licensing Workshop.
Available Education Programs
The Advanced Coach Education Program is a traditional vertical pathway designed for the aspiring coach able to achieve higher performance standards.
C Diploma
For ambitious coaches in the Province of Alberta and a requirement for APDL and League 1 Alberta Assistant Coaches
B DIPLOMA
Tailored for individuals actively coaching in Youth Standard Based Leagues, College, University, or Youth Academy settings.
A DIPLOMA
Develop and refine the student coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching senior players in a performance environment.
Children's Diploma
The Children’s Diploma prepares the student coach to meet the demands of coaching children 5-12 years of age in a development environment.
Youth Diploma
The Youth Diploma prepares the student coach to meet the demands of coaching players 13-17 years of age in a development environment.
Coach Resources
Bringing Soccer to Every Corner of Alberta
Explore guides, standards, and toolkits designed to support players and their families.
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