Fourteen directors of coaching from the United States traveled to the U.K. in June to complete the initial segment of the new Advanced Director of Coaching certificate course, offered in partnership by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and the University of Delaware.

Through the Advanced DOC course, these candidates participate in a practical program developed to increase proficiency in the technical, theoretical, conceptual, managerial and ethical aspects of soccer club management and soccer player development.

The first part of the course was a one-week residency at the world-class St. George’s Park National Football Centre in England in June. Featured presenters included Anson Dorrance, University of North Carolina women's head coach and former head coach of the 1991 U.S. Women's World Cup championship team.

Also presenting were Steve Rutter, who serves as director of coach education for the Football Association (FA) and Dr. Clive Reeves, performance coach for Fulham  F.C.; Robin Russell, UEFA football development consultant; and Dave Carolan, sports scientist and fitness coach at Colchester United F.C.

“It was an incredible week of learning and sharing. All the presenters were outstanding and were very effective in engaging the participants in discussion and practical application exercises,” said Dr. Matthew J. Robinson, UD professor in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and academic director of the program.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit the historic Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, home of the English Premier League's Liverpool F.C., and the training facility of Everton F.C., also a member of the English Premier League. At Everton, the participants met with Youth Academy director Alan Irvine, who shared with the group inforamtion abou the player development program.

Following the residency, here is what NSCAA DOCE Ian Barker and the course candidates have to say about the experience so far:

My takeaways from a week ...were exclusively positive. The quality of the learning environment provided by the brand new home of English football coupled with the quality of both the US and UK based presenters was of the very highest order. Along with solid content and equally solid educators the program came together through the open mindedness, intellect and overall contributions of the first cohort of students. I am delighted to be associated with this program and proud to have the NSCAA working in collaboration with the University of Delaware. I am confident the first class of students will inspire and lead in subsequent classes. ~Ian Barker, NSCAA DOCE

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Learn – All of our candidates were treated to a cornucopia of information. From Anson Dorrance and the Talent Code, to long term development at Premier League Clubs as well as debates on high level club structures and organizational dilemmas.

Participate – Life at St George’s enabled the candidates and instructors to interact and engage in lively debate on a variety of different topics.

Belong – The candidates can now take pride in belonging to the inaugural NSCAA Advanced DOC Course. A special bond has been created that will last a lifetime. ~Andrew Donnery

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The strength and quality of any coach education course is in the people. The faculty and presenters were industry leaders in their respective fields while the candidates had an amazing range of club soccer experiences and real-life scenarios of the challenges faced by the modern-day DOC.

Put it all together in a purpose-built soccer environment like SGP, and you end up with a course which challenges, educates and, hopefully, inspires you. ~Brian McAughey

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An excellent course that engages the mind and all of the important components that, behind the scenes, enables a soccer club to run and be successful! Besides having an excellent staff of coaches, a club needs so much more to keep going and this course brings to life all those things and more! The interaction and sharing from all the coaches who attended made the value of this course doubled. I left inspired and excited to bring back helpful and useful information to my club. ~Natalie Colle

The program's second module begins in September and consists of online lectures and practical assignments. During that time the participants will be implementing a project they developed as part of the U.K. module, that will enhance their current clubs. The final module will be held at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia in January. At that time, participants will present the outcomes of their projects.

Opportunities to apply for the second cohort of students for this Advanced DOC certificate will be available in September.

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