The National Diploma is a 50-hour course designed to meet the needs of the more experienced coach, particularly those coaching at the high school level and above, or youth coaches with previous certification and a number of years working with the developing player.  It is strongly recommended that candidates complete the NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma or USSF "D" license prior to the course.  Some USYSA affiliates will only recognize the NSCAA National Diploma if they have completed the state association's USSF "C" license.  Please check with your state association for details.

The overall objective of the National Diploma is to acquaint the coach with the needs of the American soccer player and provide an organized and progressive methodology of coaching those needs. Basic technical and tactical knowledge is the central theme of the course in a 6v6 model. The course includes sessions on the teaching process, psychological skills training and Laws of the Game. Participants receive a curriculum that outlines the course content and includes valuable resource material. Testing includes oral, written and practical (coaching) evaluations. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

NSCAA has partnered with the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) to offer its members a comprehensive online sports safety course, which is known by the acronym of P.R.E.P.A.R.E. The course covers everything from minor injuries like blisters, nose bleeds and ankle sprains all the way to serious head and neck injuries and is good for coaches at every level of the game both as a source of critical new information and a solid refresher opportunity for more experienced coaches.

NSCAA recommends that candidates for the National Diploma spend three hours taking the on-line safety course. For a cost of just $36, you will have access to outstanding information to help you prepare for the immediate treatment of your player’s injuries. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information or to register, click on the NCSS logo on the right side of this page. 

The Advanced National Diploma is a 50-hour course designed for the experienced coach working with the advanced player. The emphasis is on training those players within a team concept designed to produce a successful environment. The 8v8 model is the main focus.

Candidates receive a curriculum which outlines the course and includes valuable resource material. The curriculum includes team organization and training, advanced methodology, analysis and understanding systems of play, a focus on tactics within thirds of the field, technical position overviews, match analysis and the psychological aspect of coaching. Testing includes oral, written and practical (coaching) evaluations.

Acceptance into the course requires an NSCAA National Diploma, the USSF “B” or an English UEFA "B" license. A minimum of 10 years of coaching experience at an appropriate level also is suggested. 

The Premier Diploma is the pinnacle of the Residential Academy offerings. It is a 50-hour course designed to teach advanced methodology with full-sided soccer (11v11) as its focal point.

Coaches are provided a course curriculum. The course content includes a thorough examination of different systems of play, including: technical and tactical implications; 11 v. 11 topics, including coaching in the game, phase play and shadow play; nutrition; sportsmanship/ethics; and a leadership component including team management, personal development and the coach’s role in game development in his/her community.

Eligibility for the Premier Diploma requires the applicant be an NSCAA member and have the Advanced National Diploma, the USSF “A” License or English UEFA "A" License.  Candidates with a "Distinguished Pass" in the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma will automatically qualify for entrance into the Premier Diploma.  Additional factors, such as coaching and playing background, community leadership and contribution to the game, are considered. Applications are screened by the Director of Coaching and enrollment is limited for each course.

A special form is available in the January/February and September/October issues of Soccer Journal and is required for application to the Premier Diploma. No applications are accepted after established deadlines.