Information on Academy Educational Offerings

The NSCAA Coaching Academy offers a wide range of educational opportunities to enhance the knowledge of soccer coaches. Following is a brief summary of those offerings:

Non-Residential Courses - These courses are conducted on an on-demand basis throughout the country.  Entry-level courses include the Parent Coach and State Diploma, which are designed for coaches with little to no experience.  The Regional and Advanced Regional Diplomas are designed for coaches who work with players from 11 to 18 years of age.  There are also several courses geared toward specific coaching disciplines (ex. National Youth Diploma, High School Coaches Diploma, Director of Coaching Diploma).

Residential Courses - These courses are scheduled at predetermined sites around the country over a one-week period of time. This includes the upper level National, Advanced National and Premier Diplomas.  The courses are intended to be progressive (i.e., National before Advanced National, Advanced National before Premier).  There is a minimum one-year waiting period between courses unless a candidate receives a distinguished passing grade.

Goalkeeping Institute - The Academy launched its Goalkeeping Institute in 1998 to focus attention on the education of coaches working with goalkeepers as a special and unique position to train. Currently, State Goalkeeping Diploma (six hours), Regional Goalkeeping Diploma (eight hours) and National Goalkeeping Diploma (10 hours) courses are offered.

Special Topic Courses and Clinics - The Academy Committee will conduct special topic courses periodically in different parts of the country, as well as special clinics at various events, including the annual NSCAA Convention. Some examples of Special Topics Courses include Zonal Defending, Sports Psychology, Striker Play, Management of Soccer Programs, etc.

International Courses and Exchanges - NSCAA actively works with associations in other countries in the development of international learning opportunities.

Symposiums - The NSCAA conducts annual symposiums in conjunction with the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s championships.

College Credit - The NSCAA has partnered with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs to offer college credit for Academy courses.  Following the completion of a course, candidates may register with the LAS Extended Studies office for up to three credit hours, based on the duration of the course.  Candidates must register by the deadline to be eligible for credit, and refunds will not be issued to candidates who fail a course. For further information, click here or please contact NSCAA Past President Jay Engeln at engeln@comcast.net