01
Overview
Football-specific coaching from fundamentals to team tactics: technical development, game understanding, session design and match management. Practical throughout, with supervised team coaching.
02
Aims of the Course
- Coach core technical skills progressively
- Design sessions that develop game understanding
- Organise and manage a team on match day
- Safeguard and develop young players well
03
Course Structure
01
Technical Fundamentals
- First touch and control
- Passing and receiving under pressure
- Dribbling and 1v1 skills
- Finishing and crossing
02
Tactical Understanding
- Principles of attack and defence
- Formations and roles
- Pressing and transitions
- Small-sided games as teaching tools
03
Session Design
- Warm-ups that teach
- Progression from drill to game
- Constraints-led coaching
- Differentiation across abilities
04
Physical Development
- Age-appropriate conditioning
- Speed and agility training
- Injury prevention programmes
- Load management for young players
05
Match Management
- Team selection and rotation
- In-game communication
- Half-time interventions
- Managing officials and parents
06
Coaching Practice
- Plan and deliver a session block
- Video or peer observation
- Reflective coaching log
- Safeguarding and first aid awareness
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Coach a technical session with clear progressions
- 02Design a six-week training block
- 03Organise a team for a competitive fixture
- 04Apply safeguarding standards in youth football
- 05Reflect on observed coaching with evidence
05
Assessment
- Observed coaching sessions
- Six-week training block plan
- Match management report
06
Entry Requirements
- Open access; football knowledge essential
07
Progression and Careers
- Football coach
- Academy or school coach
- Community club coordinator