Irish FA Introduction to Grassroots Football
COURSE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Anyone over 14 years of age may apply.
COURSE OUTLINE
The Irish FA's Introduction to Grassroots Football Award is designed to provide an overview of football in Northern Ireland. This e-learning module (online only) provides candidates with best practice guidelines when working in a club setting. It is specifically designed for aspiring coaches, volunteers, grassroots leaders, school teachers, parents and guardians working in the area of grassroots football.
Participants who complete the course will be awarded a certificate which will be available to download from the platform.
Irish FA Grassroots Introduction to Goalkeeping
The Irish FA Grassroots Introduction to Goalkeeping Course is for coaches, parents and volunteers working with young goalkeepers up to around 10-12 years of age. The course introduces the Irish FA long term goalkeeper development plan, and will include practical demonstrations of practices which will allow the goalkeepers to learn, develop, and importantly have fun while being goalkeepers. There are no pre-requisites to apply for this course which will run for 3 hours on one day. This course is attendance based with no pre or post course assignments or assessments, with the overall aim of providing ideas for fun and effective goalkeeping practices.
Candidates should be at least 14 years of age on the day of the course.
Please note only candidates based in Northern Ireland are eligible for this course.
Click here to view available courses
Irish FA Introduction to Futsal
The Irish FA's Introduction to Futsal is an attendance-based course that has been designed to give participants an overview of what Futsal is, how it is played and the benefits of running Futsal programmes.
The course is 3 hours in duration, with both theoretical and practical content and is aimed at the likes of grassroots football coaches, volunteers, parents and teachers who may have an interest in starting up Futsal Coaching sessions.
Participants who complete the course will be presented with an Irish FA Introduction to Futsal Certificate and Resource Booklet. Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor practical sessions as well as writing materials for the theoretical element.
Irish FA National Coaching Certificate (NCC)
Coaches who do not reside in Northern Ireland are NOT eligible for this course.
This course was previously the Irish FA Level 1.
Course Entry Requirements:
You must be 16 years of age to apply.
The Irish FA National Coaching Certificate prepares coaches to organise, plan, deliver and reflect on practical coaching sessions for players at Grassroots level.
Course Objectives
The National Coaching Certificate is designed to give coaches:
- A greater understanding of their role as a Coach and the impact it can have on the development of Grassroots Football;
- A specific knowledge around the development of players at all ages within Grassroots Football;
- Develop coaches ability to plan, organise, deliver & reflect upon appropriate coaching sessions.
The Irish FA National Coaching Certificate Courses may be tailored to look at catering for the specific needs and requirements of Youth, Adult and/or Female players.
Course Outline
The course contains both theoretical and practical content, which includes 14 hours of guided learning with a tutor. Additional time is also required completing the online tasks and uploading work to the coaching platform whilst away from the course.
The course content includes:
- Creating a Healthy Football Environment
- Coach Development
- Player Development
- Session Planning
- Technical Coaching Practices
- Game Understanding
- Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Basic Nutrition for Football
- Basic First Aid for Football
Please note: The NCC First Aid online module provides some basic information. Accredited first aid courses are supplied by outside agencies. Candidates should contact their club for further information on how to avail of these qualifications.
Accreditation and Certification
Throughout the duration of the course candidates will be provided with ongoing formative feedback from the staff tutor based on their coaching performance with their peers. Candidates will then be required to record this and submit their NCC Logbook for grading.
Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor practical sessions on 3G /grass, as well as writing materials for notetaking during theory lectures.
Please Note: To obtain the qualification and be issued with your certificate:
Payment must be received in full
Candidates must complete all online modules and attend the practical days of the course.
Irish FA National Coaching Certificate (NCC) - Goalkeeping
The Irish FA Goalkeeping NCC is for beginner goalkeeper coaches working with beginner goalkeepers of around 10-15 years of age.
The course covers a range of basic goalkeeping skills and techniques, and will teach coaches how to design and implement effective goalkeeping practices. The coaches will also be introduced to the new Irish FA goalkeeping coach framework, which details not just what to coach, but importantly how to coach. There are no pre-requisites to apply for this course which will run over three days. Coaches will be set post course assignments as well as having a final club based practical assessment.
The assignments are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform. This platform enables candidates on the Irish FA’s courses to complete coursework tasks in electronic format, as well as session plans that enable candidates to illustrate their coaching sessions with professional, digital diagrams
Candidates should bring appropriate footwear for indoor lectures and outdoor practical sessions on grass.
It is preferable that candidates bring a laptop / MacBook or Tablet.
Candidates should be at least 16 years of age on the first day of the course.
Please note only candidates based in Northern Ireland are eligible for this course.
Click here to view available courses
Irish FA National Coaching Certificate (NCC) - Futsal
The Irish FA's Futsal National Coaching Certificate is a three-day course and an important step in progressing the game of Futsal in Northern Ireland.
The course aims to:
- Raise and develop candidates’ knowledge and awareness of the game
- Provide a greater understanding of their role as a Coach and how this can help in continuing to grow Futsal in Northern Ireland
- Enhance Coaches knowledge of Futsal specific techniques and how to coach them
- Develop Coaches ability to plan, organise, deliver & reflect upon appropriate Futsal sessions.
The curriculum covers both theoretical and practical content and includes Technical and Tactical Instruction, Set Pieces, Goalkeeping and Laws of the Game modules.
Candidates will be assessed on topics covered on the curriculum and will also be required to complete online modules as part of the Award. Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor practical sessions as well as writing materials for the theoretical element.
Those completing the course will be presented with the Irish FA Futsal National Coaching Certificate and receive a Futsal Coaching Resource to aid them in continuing to provide Futsal opportunities to players.
UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award
Course Entry Requirements
• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the first day of the course.
• Must have completed the Irish FA National Coaching Certificate within the last six years.
• This course is currently available to Northern Ireland based coaches only.
Course Overview
The Irish FA UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award is designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of coaches working with children aged 5–12 years. The course focuses on developing the coach’s ability to create enjoyable, engaging, and effective coaching sessions that support young players’ development and love for the game.
Learning Outcomes
Candidates will gain a deeper understanding of:
• Game Development: Insight into the Irish FA Small Sided Games Programme.
• Player Development: How to create positive environments for children’s football and plan sessions that maximise learning.
• Parental Engagement: Strategies for building positive communication and relationships with parents and guardians.
• Club & Community Leadership: Understanding the benefits of coaching and the broader impact of football on local communities.
To apply for the UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award click here
UEFA C Diploma
Irish FA Goalkeeping C Diploma
The Irish FA Goalkeeping C Diploma will build on the Goalkeeping NCC diploma and is for goalkeeper coaches working with youth and adult goalkeepers.
The course covers more advanced goalkeeping practices and will provide the coaches with a higher level of understanding of goalkeeping, as well as the game.
The pre-requisites to apply for this course is completion of the Irish FA Goalkeeping NCC diploma or having completed the previous Irish FA Goalkeeping diploma (pre-2023).
Coaches will be set post course assignments as well as having a final club based practical assessment.
UEFA B Diploma
COURSE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
• A minimum of six months should have elapsed between successful completion of the UEFA C Diploma and enrolment for the UEFA B Diploma
• Hold a valid UEFA C Diploma
• Candidates must currently be working or have evidence of an internship at U12s or above
• The course will be delivered in English, and candidates are required to have a good command of spoken and written English
• Priority is given to coaches that have completed their UEFA C Diploma through the Irish Football Association
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
The UEFA B Licence remains valid for three years. During this time, coaches must complete at least 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to renew their Licence for another three-year period. Of these 15 hours, a minimum of 10 must be completed through Irish FA CPD events, which include the Irish FA | UEFA Youth Diplomas and other relevant Irish FA courses. The remaining 5 hours may be completed externally, provided the activities are relevant to the qualification. However, this CPD requirement does not apply if the coach enrolls in the UEFA A Diploma within the same three-year period.
UEFA B Youth Diploma
COURSE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Hold a valid UEFA B Diploma (no equivalencies accepted)
• Candidates must currently be working or have evidence of an internship coaching with U12s to U16s
• The course will be delivered in English, and candidates are required to have a good command of spoken and written English
• Priority is given to coaches that have completed their B Diploma through the Irish Football Association
COURSE OBJECTIVES
A UEFA Youth B Licence holder must have a clear understanding of how to develop and coach potentially talented young players transitioning from grassroots to elite level, just before and during their period of biological growth and maturation.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will include practical days and online theoretical aspects.
The course theory will be split between face-to-face workshops and distance learning workshops.
Candidates are required to:
• Attend the practical days which will be delivered over a 4-day practical week and are timetabled from 09:30 to 20.30 each day (09:30 – 17:00 on the last day)
• Attend 2 online workshops pre and post the practical weeks
• Complete and Submit Self Evaluation Task
• Complete online Safeguarding Modules
• Attend Talent ID & Talent Development Workshop and complete online task
• Attend Fitness for Football module
• Attend Youth Goalkeeping module
• Attend Growth and Maturation workshop
• Attend Coaching Pedagogy workshop
• Attend Coach Reflection workshop
• Submit coaching report and reflections from Summative and Formative Assessments as part of Communities of Practise.
UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma
Goalkeeper coaching is a fundamental element of the game, ensuring this specialised position is well catered for with dedicated sessions and practices designed to enhance the quality of the individual.
The UEFA Goalkeeper B diploma offers course participants a clear understanding of how to develop young goalkeepers and coach adult goalkeepers in either the amateur or elite game.
Four pillars of the UEFA Goalkeeper B Diploma
The specialised goalkeeper coach
- Developing a holistic understanding of the game and how it affects the actions and role of the goalkeeper
- Working with and understanding goalkeepers of various cultural backgrounds, ages, genders and levels of ability
- Working with goalkeepers in the period of maturation, especially during peak height velocity (major growth spurt), when training programmes often need to be adjusted to reduce the likelihood of growth-related issues
- Working closely with other support staff to develop the goalkeeper’s individual performance and their role as part of the team
The goalkeeper
- Understanding periodisation and knowing how to plan for the correct development of goalkeepers in the medium and short term
- Knowing how to devise development plans for individual goalkeepers to achieve personal goals in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological/social sectors
- Providing effective opportunities for the goalkeepers to gain sufficient playing opportunities during matches
- Dealing with each goalkeeper’s support networks
The training environment
- Ability to apply plans to a positive practical training environment based on the reality of the game (reality-based learning)
- Conducting training sessions appropriate to the goalkeepers’ needs
- Understanding and managing goalkeepers through their individual physical and psychological development
- Analysing the goalkeeper’s individual actions to gain a clear understanding of training session design and how it meets the needs of both the individual goalkeeper’s and the team’s performances
- Reviewing the training sessions to make positive adaptations
The match
- Supporting the transition from training to matches in a constructive, positive way
- Focusing on the development of the goalkeeper during matches
- Ensuring sufficient playing time for all goalkeepers
- Considering the match as an evaluation and learning tool.
UEFA A Diploma
COURSE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Hold a valid UEFA B Diploma
• A minimum of one year’s coaching experience should have elapsed between successful completion of the UEFA B Diploma and enrolment on the UEFA A Diploma
• Candidates must currently be working or have evidence of an internship at U16s or above to be considered
• The course will be delivered in English, and candidates are required to have a good command of spoken and written English
• Priority is given to coaches that have completed their UEFA B Diploma through the Irish Football Association
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The UEFA A Licence remains valid for three years. During this time, coaches must complete at least 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to renew their Licence for another three-year period. Of these 15 hours, a minimum of 10 must be completed through Irish FA CPD events, which include the Irish FA | UEFA Youth Diplomas and other relevant Irish FA courses. The remaining 5 hours may be completed externally, provided the activities are relevant to the qualification. However, this CPD requirement does not apply if the coach enrolls in the UEFA Pro Diploma within the same three-year period.
UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma
Goalkeeper coaching is a fundamental element of the game, ensuring this specialised position is well catered for with dedicated sessions and practices designed to enhance the quality of the individual.
The UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma is designed for advanced Goalkeeper Coaches working with elite youth and adult Goalkeepers, preparing the coach to work as an integrated member of a high-performance team.
Four pillars of the UEFA Goalkeeper A Diploma
The specialised goalkeeper coach
- Working with and understanding goalkeepers of different cultural backgrounds, levels of maturity and ability
- Creating a high-performance culture and environment
- Working as an integrated member of the coaching/management team
- Working closely with other support staff to enhance the team’s performance strategy
- Understanding and supporting technical and tactical planning and how it affects the actions and role of the goalkeeper in game situations
- Guiding the club’s goalkeeper development and performance strategy
- Working closely with support staff to create an effective recruitment plan
The goalkeeper
- Providing an annual periodisation plan to ensure the correct development and maintenance of goalkeepers in short, medium and long-term schedules
- Providing an effective training environment to build or maintain the performance level of the goalkeeper as part of a successful team
- Establishing an appropriate environment to help individual goalkeepers develop strategies to achieve their own personal performance objectives
- Providing effective opportunities for the goalkeeper to gain sufficient playing opportunities during matches
- Dealing with each goalkeeper’s support networks
The training environment
- Turning plans into a positive practical training environment based on the needs of the team (reality-based learning)
- Conducting training sessions suitable for achieving high levels of performance
- Helping goalkeepers to build and maintain their own individual physical and psychological performance levels
- Analysing the goalkeeper’s actions during the game, to understand and measure performance levels
- Conducting post-evaluation of technical and tactical training sessions to make positive adaptations to future plans
The match
- Preparing the goalkeepers to perform effectively during competition schedules
- Supporting the management team as and when requested
- Using the match as an evaluation and learning tool
UEFA Pro Diploma
Applications for the UEFA Pro Diploma course are currently closed.
This is the highest coaching qualification in Europe. The UEFA Pro Licence is now a mandatory requirement to manage an Irish League Club playing in European Competitions, other European Leagues and UEFA Club and International competitions.
The next course is not due to start to 2027.
We will open our application window in late 2026, please click on the link below to register to receive an application pack.
Click here to register your interest
Please note you will not receive an application pack to late 2026.
Essential Criteria for application
1. Applicants must hold a valid UEFA A Licence (no equivalencies accepted)
2. Applicants must have completed at least one year’s coaching experience, after graduating with the UEFA A Licence.
3. Applicants must be working as either:
a. Manager at Professional or Semi Professional Club
b. Assistant Coach at Professional Club
c. Manager at Elite Youth (min U18 or above at Full Time Professional Club)
d. Manager at Senior Amateur level
4. Applicants must also possess sufficient spoken and written skills in the official course language, which is English
As the UEFA Pro Diploma Course is ‘invitational’; the Irish FA reserves the right to prioritise:
1. Those that have gained their UEFA A Licence through the Irish FA
2. Be resident in Northern Ireland
3. Have been born in Northern Ireland
4. Have Northern Irish heritage or
5. Have played for Northern Ireland International Level.
The UEFA Pro Diploma is valid for 3 years, during which period the coach must complete a minimum of 15 hours of Continuous Professional Development in order to re-validate the Diploma for a further 3-year period.
Irish FA Level 1 Coaching Disabled Footballers Award
Course entrance requirements
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age or over.
Course outline
This coaching award is attendance based and will consist of theoretical and practical sessions. The award is at an introductory level and is designed to provide coaches with information and practical examples of how best to coach players with disabilities. There is no pre-requisite for this course although it is designed for coaches, teachers and volunteers already working or intending to work with disabled footballers.
Once booked on to the CDFA Level 1 course, you will have the opportunity to complete the online 'Irish FA Safeguarding Young Children in Sport' modules, which are included as part of your course fee.
The disabled groups in focus are learning disability, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments. Course content includes safety considerations, communication, session planning, adapting sessions and practical working with players with disability.
Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for an indoor practical session. Candidates should also bring writing material.
The course is four hours in duration. Participants receive a certificate and coaching resources on completion.
Course Fee - £40
Irish FA Level 2 Coaching Disabled Footballers Award
Course entrance requirements
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age or over. Candidates should have also completed the Irish FA Level 1 Coaching Disabled Footballers Award and the Irish FA National Coaching Certificate or Level 1 prior to applying for this course.
Course outline
This coaching award is aimed at coaches already working with or intending to work with players with a disability. This course is a mixture of theoretical modules and practical sessions where candidates will gain experience working with players with various disabilities.
The course looks at adapting coaching techniques when working with players with a learning disability, physical disability or sensory impairment. There is also a module on the benefits of fundamental and movement skill training for the various disability groups.
This is a detailed course that also takes into consideration the playing, competitive and representative opportunities for players with various impairments and how rules are adapted for the benefit of the games in each disability group.
The course is fifteen hours in length; however, participants will be required to work for an additional ten hours with disabled players upon completion of the course. A log book of session plans, considerations and evaluation will have to be submitted and assessed before certification. Guidance for completion of this part of the course will be given by course tutors. Participants receive a certificate and coaching resources on completion.
Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor and outdoor practical sessions. Candidates should also bring writing material.
Course fee - £150
Fitness for Football Module 1
Course Entry Requirements
Anyone over 16 years of age may apply.
Course Outline
The aim of the Irish FA's Fitness for Football module is to provide volunteers / coaches with a greater understanding of how to implement fundamental movement skills and strength & conditioning into coaching sessions for players involved in grassroots football.
The course is 3 hours in duration, with both theoretical and practical content. Participants who complete the course will be presented with an Irish FA Fitness for Football Certificate.
Candidates should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor lectures and indoor practical sessions. Candidates should also bring writing materials.
Workshop Aims:
• Understand the health benefits of playing football
• Highlight the effects of growth & maturation on player development
• Appreciate the importance of Physical Literacy, FMS & SSG to develop physical attributes for lifelong engagement in sport & physical activity
• Demonstrate practical examples of how to integrate fitness training into coaching sessions
On completion of this module, 5 CPD points will be awarded to Irish FA C / UEFA C Licenced coaches. (UEFA B, A and UEFA Pro is excluded).
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
UEFA Requirements:
UEFA Coaching Licence Requirements
The validity of a UEFA coaching licence is subject to the licence holder complying with all statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of UEFA and the issuing convention party.
A UEFA Coaching Licence is valid for three calendar years, expiring no later than 31 December of the third year following initial issue.
For example: If a UEFA certificate is awarded in August 2025, the licence will expire on 31 December 2028, and the required CPD hours must be completed by this date.
Licence Revalidation
To revalidate a UEFA coaching licence for a further three-year period, coaches must complete a minimum of 15 CPD hours within each three-year cycle.
CPD Hour Requirements
• A minimum of 10 CPD hours must be completed through Irish FA CPD workshops, webinars and activities
• The remaining 5 CPD hours may be completed through approved external CPD, provided the activity is relevant to the qualification
• An exemption is giving if a coach enrols on a UEFA Diploma within the same three-year licensing period.
External CPD
Coaches may complete CPD hours through external organisations for 5 hours. Evidence of completion (e.g. certificates and a brief outline of learning outcomes) must be uploaded to the Irish FA Coach Education Platform.
All external CPD submissions will be reviewed by the Irish FA Coach Education Team, who will determine the number of CPD hours awarded.
CPD Delivery Methods
CPD may be attended and delivered through a variety of learning methods, including:
• Face-to-face workshops
• Practical demonstrations
• Webinars and online learning
• Conferences and events
• Best-practice sharing and professional discussion
Each Irish FA CPD workshop is designed to support the ongoing development of coaches and reflect the evolving demands of the football industry.
Please ensure you register for a CPD course that earns CPD hours relevant to your qualification.
Click here to book a place on a course listed in the table (if available)
Click here to view opportunities to revalidate your UEFA Diploma via a bespoke CPD course