National Soccer Coaches Association of America

What is the difference between the NSCAA's coaching education program and the one offered by the USSF?
The NSCAA is a non-profit association of soccer coaches at every level of the game. It conducts educational offerings through our coaching academy program. Our courses are called “diploma programs” and are intended to be information oriented. The USSF is the governing body for soccer in the United States. It is affiliated with FIFA and offers coaching certification courses that lead to coaching licenses. A fundamental difference between the coaching education offerings of the two is that the NSCAA does not test its candidates on their playing abilities.

What course do I qualify for?
It depends on such things as your coaching and playing background and previous coaching education or certification courses completed. Our non-residential courses (such as the State and Regional diplomas) do not have prerequisites. The upper-level courses require a combination of experience and previous education. See the NSCAA Residential Academy section on our website for additional information.

I have played professionally, can I take the Advanced National Diploma course?
Acceptance into the course requires an NSCAA National Diploma, the USSF “B” license or an English UEFA "B" license. A minimum of 10 years of coaching experience at an appropriate level also is suggested. There are no exceptions made for playing or coaching experience at any level.

I played overseas (licenses overseas) what do I qualify for?
Playing experience overseas does not get you into a course any higher than the National Diploma. The UEFA "B" License allows you to skip the National Diploma and start with the Advanced National Diploma, while the UEFA "A’"allows you to apply for the Premier Diploma.

Where are the courses nearest me?
All of our Non-Residential, Goalkeeping and Youth level courses are scheduled on an on-demand basis throughout the country. Please check our website for a listing of all courses currently scheduled.

How much does it cost to attend an NSCAA course?
The Residential Course fee structure is published in the Coaching Education section of this website.

What are the differences between resident and commuter?
Resident fees include six nights lodging and meals. Commuter fees do not include lodging but do include meals at the academy site.

Can I take the Advanced National Diploma without taking the National?
Only if you have earned either the USSF "B" License or the UEFA "B" License.

I couldn’t find the application on the website – where is it?
Click on the Residential Course Listings button on the homepage. Then click on the course you wish to attend and there will be a link for the Application Form under the specific course listing.

What will be covered during these courses?
It depends on which course you are taking. Please refer to the course synopsis posted on our website for more specific information about each course.

Can I fax in my academy application?
Yes, you can fax your application to our office as long as your application is complete and the minimum $75 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is included. If you don’t feel comfortable faxing in your credit card information you can call our office after you have faxed your form or you can mail your application in with a check.

What’s the difference between the National and the Advanced National Diploma?
The courses are intended to be progressive. The National course covers technical and tactical knowledge using the 6 v. 6 model of teaching. The Advanced National course has a focus on working with the advanced player within a team concept and technical and tactical knowledge using the 8 v. 8 model for teaching.

What is the nearest airport to the course I've registered for?
There is a specific course information sheet posted online for each of our academy courses. This sheet outlines the nearest airports to each site and an approximate distance to the site.

What are the dates and locations for up coming courses?
Please refer to NSCAA.com for up-to-date listings of all courses.

Do the course fees include my annual dues?
If you are not and have not been a member of the NSCAA prior to taking a Non-Residential course, you are given a one year membership once you take your first course. A one year membership is also given to anyone who registers for a Residential course as a non-member.

What is the deadline for registering for a Residential course?
We accept applications until the course is full. There is a $75 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required with each course application. If space is still available and you register less than 30 days prior to the start of the course, full payment is required with your application.