Last week was an important week in the lives of 27 soccer coaches from around the country.  During that week, Oklahoma City hosted the U.S. Soccer “C” License course at Energy FC’s practice facility at the Oklahoma City County Health Department (OCCHD).

As a part of the course candidates completed work at their home clubs prior to arriving in Oklahoma City.  While in Oklahoma City the candidates put in twelve hour work days consisting of classroom and field sessions.  The sessions focused on training sessions for the coaches, coaching in the game, leading players, leading a team, managing a performance event and player, team, and club leadership.

Obtaining a “C” License from U.S. Soccer is the fourth step for aspiring coaches in their continuing coaching education.  In 2016, the C license was restructured to include the candidates returning to their home club for 6 – 8 weeks back of assignments prior to their actual testing.  The candidates will return to Oklahoma City in mid-October to complete the course.

This “C” License course was led by the State Directors of Coaching from Oklahoma, North Texas and South Texas.  The 27 candidates were from 13 different states.  As a part of the course the candidates also took in the Energy home game against Real Monarchs and then had the chance to interact with club on staff both on the match as well as how they go about things at the club.

Following the successful completion of the “C” License, candidates can pursue their “B” License a year later which focuses on the principles associated with long-term player development and developing a team and an “A” License (Youth) which focuses on the development of elite players on a path to pro soccer or “A” License (Senior) which focuses on creating a winning team in a high-performance environment.  The final license in the coaching pathway which can be obtained is the Pro License.

Good luck to the “C” License candidates and we look forward to seeing everyone back in OKC in mid-October.