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 C Diploma (Regional Course)
A UEFA C Diploma Regional course is for candidates based in Northern Ireland only.
The Course content is exactly the same on both courses.
Please note: Only candidates based in Northern Ireland are eligible for the UEFA C Diploma REGIONAL Courses.
International candidates (i.e. a candidate from outside of Northern Ireland) are only eligible to apply for the course held at the Crowne Plaza. This course has higher facility costs and provides catering daily which is why it is more expensive than the Regional UEFA C Diploma Course.
The course content is the same for both International and Regional courses.
COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the course
• Successful completion of Irish FA’s National Coaching Certificate or Irish FA Level One within the previous six years (only applicable for candidates from Northern Ireland)
• Any coach from outside of Northern Ireland must have a valid coaching qualification equivalent or higher than the Irish FA NCC
• The Irish FA advise that candidates are actively coaching at a football club, as the focus of the course is based on player development
• The course will be delivered in English, therefore candidates are required to have a good command of written and spoken English
The Irish FA reserves the right to use the following criteria should there be higher demand for places than we can accommodate:
• The candidate is based or was born in Northern Ireland
• The candidate is actively coaching
• We may ask for candidates to submit a CV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The UEFA C Diploma is the highest participation award in the Irish FA coaching pathway. It provides candidates with the skills to create a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge and skill, regardless of age, ability, gender or background.
Theoretical and practical content around four key pillars will inform coaches of how to plan, deliver and reflect on coaching sessions for grassroots players: There is a specific emphasis on developing coaches’ knowledge of the Principles of Play with players aged 10+.
1. Coach 2. Environment 3. Player 4. Game
COURSE OUTLINE
The UEFA C Diploma will consist of 5 learning blocks. Full attendance and participation on all blocks Is required to attain the qualification and be awarded with the UEFA C Diploma.
Block 1 (Pre – Course)
• Complete and submit a Self-Evaluation Task
• Complete online Safeguarding Modules
• Watch video & complete online First Aid Quiz
• Read resource & complete online Nutrition Quiz
Block 2 (Online Workshops)
Irish FA Coach Developers will host 3 hour workshops. As per UEFA requirements, ALL candidates must be in attendance and interact with each other as it is an essential part of the learning process. Candidates who do not attend will not be able to continue the course as participation is mandatory.
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Introduction the UEFA C Diploma’
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Session Planning – Coaching the Principles of Play.' Candidates will be put into groups for coaching tasks and will be expected to deliver a micro session in Block 3.
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop 'Psychology & Effective Communication'.
Block 3 (Face to Face Delivery – 4 days)
Tutor Demonstrations:
• Principles of Play
• Conditioned Small Sided Games
• Conditioning for Games
Candidate coaches are expected to participate in practical pitch sessions as part of tutor led demonstrations and peer coaching sessions. However, exceptions can be made due to illness or injury.
Theoretical Topics include:
• Effective Communication
• Psychology
• Player Development
• Reflective Practice
• Goal Setting
Block 4 (At Regional Clubs)
After the conclusion of the practical week, candidates working at similar levels will be put into small working groups, to share their knowledge, ideas and experiences. This ‘Community of Practice’ will be supported by an Irish FA staff member who will oversee and support each candidate as they apply their learning. Local candidates will be expected to organise a minimum of two club-based visits. Candidates based outside of Northern Ireland will be expected to record and submit two videoed sessions. Candidates will also be expected to submit the following onto the online learning platform for grading:
• Tutor observations on candidate coaching performance
• 10 hours of practical coaching sessions
• Self - reflections of coaching performance
PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION
Timeframes for the completion of tasks will be outlined prior to the course commencing. Candidates should adhere to these where possible to meet the accreditation criteria. Completion of the course should take no longer than 3 months from the start date of the course. UEFA criteria for awarding a UEFA C Diploma include:
• Full attendance. This includes all practical days and online workshops. Only in exceptional circumstances will candidates be permitted time off from the course. (This time must be made up at a later date).
• All tasks are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform at www.irishfacoaching.com Candidates must demonstrate the personal skills, attributes and knowledge that provide a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge, skill and development. This must be appropriate to their age and stage of players learning. Formative & summative feedback will be given during the Community of Practice process.
• All candidates who successfully complete the course will receive the UEFA C Diploma. This is an e-certificate available to print & download from the online learning platform.
RE-ASSESSMENTS
If the candidate fails to meet the required standard in the they will be permitted to have a maximum of two further assessments. Any reassessments will be at an additional cost to the candidate.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
The UEFA C Diploma is valid for three years, during which period the coach must accumulate a minimum of 15 CPD Credits to re-validate the Diploma for a further three-year period. However, the above is not required if the coach enrols on the UEFA B Diploma within this period.
There must then be a minimum of six months from when you receive your UEFA C Diploma before you can attend a UEFA B Diploma. You can apply before completing, but your application will depend on the successful completion of the UEFA C Diploma Course within the specified timeframe.
UEFA C Diploma
Please note: Only candidates based in Northern Ireland are eligible for the UEFA C Diploma REGIONAL Courses.
International candidates (i.e. a candidate from outside of Northern Ireland) are only eligible to apply for the course held at the Crowne Plaza. This course has higher facility costs and provides catering daily which is why it is more expensive than the Regional UEFA C Diploma Course.
The course content is the same for both International and Regional courses.
COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the course
• Successful completion of Irish FA’s National Coaching Certificate or Irish FA Level One within the previous six years (only applicable for candidates from Northern Ireland)
• Any coach from outside of Northern Ireland must have a valid coaching qualification equivalent or higher than the Irish FA NCC
• The Irish FA advise that candidates are actively coaching at a football club, as the focus of the course is based on player development
• The course will be delivered in English, therefore candidates are required to have a good command of written and spoken English
The Irish FA reserves the right to use the following criteria should there be higher demand for places than we can accommodate:
• The candidate is based or was born in Northern Ireland
• The candidate is actively coaching
• We may ask for candidates to submit a CV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The UEFA C Diploma is the highest participation award in the Irish FA coaching pathway. It provides candidates with the skills to create a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge and skill, regardless of age, ability, gender or background.
Theoretical and practical content around four key pillars will inform coaches of how to plan, deliver and reflect on coaching sessions for grassroots players: There is a specific emphasis on developing coaches’ knowledge of the Principles of Play with players aged 10+.
1. Coach 2. Environment 3. Player 4. Game
COURSE OUTLINE
The UEFA C Diploma will consist of 5 learning blocks. Full attendance and participation on all blocks Is required to attain the qualification and be awarded with the UEFA C Diploma.
Block 1 (Pre – Course)
• Complete and submit a Self-Evaluation Task
• Complete online Safeguarding Modules
• Watch video & complete online First Aid Quiz
• Read resource & complete online Nutrition Quiz
Block 2 (Online Workshops)
Irish FA Coach Developers will host 3 hour workshops. As per UEFA requirements, ALL candidates must be in attendance and interact with each other as it is an essential part of the learning process. Candidates who do not attend will not be able to continue the course as participation is mandatory.
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Introduction the UEFA C Diploma’
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Session Planning – Coaching the Principles of Play.' Candidates will be put into groups for coaching tasks and will be expected to deliver a micro session in Block 3.
• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop 'Psychology & Effective Communication'.
Block 3 (Face to Face Delivery – 4 days)
Tutor Demonstrations:
• Principles of Play
• Conditioned Small Sided Games
• Conditioning for Games
Candidate coaches are expected to participate in practical pitch sessions as part of tutor led demonstrations and peer coaching sessions. However, exceptions can be made due to illness or injury.
Theoretical Topics include:
• Effective Communication
• Psychology
• Player Development
• Reflective Practice
• Goal Setting
Block 4 (At Regional Clubs)
After the conclusion of the practical week, candidates working at similar levels will be put into small working groups, to share their knowledge, ideas and experiences. This ‘Community of Practice’ will be supported by an Irish FA staff member who will oversee and support each candidate as they apply their learning. Local candidates will be expected to organise a minimum of two club-based visits. Candidates based outside of Northern Ireland will be expected to record and submit two videoed sessions. Candidates will also be expected to submit the following onto the online learning platform for grading:
• Tutor observations on candidate coaching performance
• 10 hours of practical coaching sessions
• Self - reflections of coaching performance
PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION
Timeframes for the completion of tasks will be outlined prior to the course commencing. Candidates should adhere to these where possible to meet the accreditation criteria. Completion of the course should take no longer than 3 months from the start date of the course. UEFA criteria for awarding a UEFA C Diploma include:
• Full attendance. This includes all practical days and online workshops. Only in exceptional circumstances will candidates be permitted time off from the course. (This time must be made up at a later date).
• All tasks are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform at www.irishfacoaching.com Candidates must demonstrate the personal skills, attributes and knowledge that provide a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge, skill and development. This must be appropriate to their age and stage of players learning. Formative & summative feedback will be given during the Community of Practice process.
• All candidates who successfully complete the course will receive the UEFA C Diploma. This is an e-certificate available to print & download from the online learning platform.
RE-ASSESSMENTS
If the candidate fails to meet the required standard in the they will be permitted to have a maximum of two further assessments. Any reassessments will be at an additional cost to the candidate.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
The UEFA C Diploma is valid for three years, during which period the coach must accumulate a minimum of 15 CPD Credits to re-validate the Diploma for a further three-year period. However, the above is not required if the coach enrols on the UEFA B Diploma within this period.
There must then be a minimum of six months from when you receive your UEFA C Diploma before you can attend a UEFA B Diploma. You can apply before completing, but your application will depend on the successful completion of the UEFA C Diploma Course within the specified timeframe.
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 / Irish FA C Diploma (no equivalencies accepted)
• 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 C Diploma through the Irish Football Association
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The focus of this course is preparing players and teams for youth, amateur and adult league teams’ below senior level.
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.
Practical Assessments
A minimum of three practical assessments will be taken as follows:
Two formative assessments will be undertaken during the period of the practical week on delivering a Functional Practice into a Phase of Play. This can be either defensive or attacking.
The remaining summative assessment will be carried out within a 12-month period at your club, as part of a 'Community of Practise', on a selected Phase of Play.
The candidate must achieve a Pass Standard in the summative assessment.
If the candidate fails to meet the required practical standards, they will be permitted to have a maximum of two further re-assessments.
Candidates will be charged for re-assessment.
Practical Pitch Sessions
Candidate coaches are expected to participate in practical pitch sessions throughout the course as part of staff demonstration and peer coaching sessions. However, exceptions can be made due to illness or injury.
WHAT IS COMMUNTIES OF PRACTISE?
A group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. A collection of coaches working at similar levels, sharing knowledge and ideas of good practice, supported by a Coach Educator. An Irish FA staff member will oversee each Communities of Practise providing support to candidates.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are required to
- Attend the practical days which will be delivered over a 7-day practical week and are timetabled from 09:00 to 21.00 each day
- Attend xx online workshops pre and post the practical weeks
- Complete and Submit Self Evaluation Task
- Submit 25 hours of session plans
- Complete online Safeguarding Modules
- Attend Psychology Workshop and complete online task
- Attend Fitness for Football practical module and complete periodisation task
- Attend Nutrition for sport Workshop and complete online task
- Attend Sports Medicine Workshop and complete online task
- Attend Performance Analysis Workshop and complete online task
- Submit coaching report and reflections from Summative and Formative Assessments as part of Communities of Practise
Full attendance of the course is required. This includes all practical days and online workshops.
Only in exceptional circumstances will candidates be permitted time off the course. (This time must be made up at a later date).
All online tasks are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform.
COMPLETION
Candidates have a maximum of three years to successfully complete all practical work and all coursework from the date they commence the course.
All candidates who successfully complete the course will receive an UEFA B Diploma.
When successfully completing all practical and theoretical elements of the UEFA B Diploma, candidates who have one year’s coaching experience may apply for the UEFA A Diploma but are not guaranteed a place on the course as selection for this course is based on specific criteria.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
The UEFA B Licence is valid for three years, during which period the coach must complete a minimum of 15 credits of CPD in order to re-validate the diploma for a further three-year period. However, the above is not required if the coach enrols on the UEFA A Diploma within this 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 (no equivalencies accepted)
• 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
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The UEFA A Diploma is an advanced Coaching Award and the focus of this course is on preparing players and teams for professional and semi-professional Leagues or top amateur Leagues.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is delivered in two separate blocks in two separate years.
Both blocks will include practical and theoretical aspects. The course theory will be split between face-to-face workshops and distance learning workshops.
Face to face will be delivered during the practical week and the distance learning workshops will be delivered either before or after the practical week at a prescheduled time.
Theory
The course content, tasks and assessments are based upon the following competencies:
• Football knowledge
• Management
• Use of technology
• Psychology
• Personal presentation and media skills.
Practical Assessments
During both practical blocks, the candidates will have the opportunity to take practical coaching sessions individually and as part of a team. These will be in the form of formative assessments.
Candidates will also be assessed during the subsequent months after completion of both Block One and Two. There will be a summative assessment after Block Two on phases of play and 11v11 sessions. This will be one scenario to be coached for a one hour session (excluding warm up and debrief).
Candidates are permitted to be reassessed a maximum of four times over a three-year period from commencement of the course in order to achieve the required standard. Candidates will be charged a reassessment fee if they require additional assessments.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to organise the venue and the players for their club assessment – which must be undertaken at their club with their players.
Practical Pitch Sessions
Candidate coaches are expected to participate in practical pitch sessions throughout the course as part of staff demonstration and peer coaching sessions. However, exceptions can be made due to illness or injury.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are required to
- Attend the practical days which will be delivered over a 7-day practical week and are timetabled from 09:00 to 21.00 each day
- Attend xx online workshops pre and post the practical weeks
- Complete and Submit Self Evaluation Task
- Submit 36 hours of session plans
- Complete online Safeguarding Modules
- Attend Sports Psychology Workshop
- Attend Fitness for Football practical module and complete periodisation task
- Complete technical periodisation task
- Complete Football Theory Task
- Complete Online Personal Development Task
- Attend Nutrition for sport Workshop and complete online task
- Attend Sports Medicine Workshop and complete online task
- Attend Football Analysis Workshop
- Submit coaching report and reflections from Summative and Formative Assessments as part of Communities of Practise
Full attendance of the course is required. This includes all practical days and online workshops.
Only in exceptional circumstances will candidates be permitted time off the course. (This time must be made up at a later date).
All online tasks are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform.
WHAT IS COMMUNTIES OF PRACTISE?
A group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. A collection of coaches working at similar levels, sharing knowledge and ideas of good practice, supported by a Coach Educator. An Irish FA staff member will oversee each Communities of Practise providing support to candidates.
COMPLETION
Candidates have a maximum of three years to successfully complete all elements of the course from the date they commence the course.
When successfully completing all practical and theoretical elements of the course, the candidate will receive an UEFA A Diploma.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The UEFA A Diploma is valid for three years, during which period the coach must complete a minimum of 15 hours of Continuous Professional Development in order to re-validate the Licence for a further three-year period.
However, the above is not required if the coach enrols on the UEFA Pro Diploma within this 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:
The validity of an UEFA coaching licence is subject to the licence holder adhering to the statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of UEFA and the convention party that issued the licence in question. A UEFA coaching licence is valid for three calendar years, until no later than 31st December, three years after the first issue.
(e.g. If a UEFA Certificate is awarded in August 2020. 15 CPD credits must be accumulated by 31st December 2023).
The qualification can be renewed for a further three years if the holder has completed and provided evidence of further education. A minimum of 15 CPD credits must be accumulated every three years in order to maintain a UEFA licence.
How to accumulate credits:
Events will be organised by the Irish FA for Diploma holders and CPD credits will be awarded. Diploma holders can also attend coaching events organised by other organisations. The Irish FA Coach Education Team reserves the right to award CPD credits for these events. The number of credits awarded will depend on the hours of attendance and course requirements. Evidence of attendance and an outline of the learning outcomes must be uploaded onto the coach education platform, explained below.
A UEFA coaching licence gives the holder the right to be employed to train a representative team of a UEFA member association or a specific team of a football club affiliated to a UEFA member association, in accordance with the requirements set by the issuing convention party. Each Irish FA UEFA CPD workshop is designed to meet the demands of the continuous evolvement of coach education within the football industry.
CPD combines different methodologies to learning, such as training workshops, conferences and events, e-learning programs, best practice techniques and ideas sharing, all focused for an individual to improve and have effective professional development.
The UEFA Licences are valid for 3 years, during which period the coach must complete a minimum of 15 credits of Continuous Professional Development in order to revalidate the Licence for a further 3-year period.
We recommend that CPD should be relevant to your qualification and aimed at enhancing your coaching practices and skill set. The Irish FA offer several CPD / revalidation workshops throughout the year. These workshops will vary in nature, ranging from face to face workshops, practical demonstrations, Q&A sessions & webinars etc.
The following are courses that the Irish FA Coach Education Team will offer CPD credits for within the Grassroots Coaching ladder. These are categorised into specialised areas. This will enable you to choose areas that apply to you or learn from other areas that you feel you need more knowledge and experience.
If you complete CPD through an external source, you are able to upload this to your profile on the Irish FA Coach Education platform. Simply upload the certificate and / or proof that you completed the CPD, the Coach Education Team will then review and award appropriate CPD credits.
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