Coaching Courses
MiniRoos is aimed at volunteer parents and coaches working with novice players or players aged approximately up to ten (10) years old. The session is entirely practical and encourages the coach to create games based on enjoyment. The focus is on learning by playing football. The secret to encouraging players to develop a love for the game without coaching is to organise enjoyable football activities. The coaches’ exposure to fundamental game rules and guidance on creating an enjoyable and safe football environment.
Courses are regularly held by our Member Associations, so please liaise with your local association or visit the Football Australia website to view upcoming courses.
The Foundation of Football is aimed at volunteer parents and coaches working with advanced beginner to competent level players or players aged up to approximately fifteen (15) years old. This course is a prerequisite for the Football Australia/AFC C Diploma.
Coaches will participate in practical sessions covering the basics of techniques as well as learning about basic playing principles of the game. The course is mostly practical and not graded, allowing the student to participate in the training sessions if they so choose. The course also promotes participating in group discussions with the goal of exchanging experiences.
To support the launch of the Football NSW Junior Development Leagues, Football NSW has created the JDL Coach Development Program for coaches working within JDL programs.
The main focus of the required coaching competency on the C Diploma is on the technical aspects of the game, which includes teaching the techniques of passing, receiving, striking the ball and running with the ball, along with defending techniques to regain possession. The required technical knowledge will be supported with an understanding of The Principles of Play and the fundamentals of coaching.
The minimum age to join the ‘C’ Diploma is 18 years old. The ‘C’ Diploma is a minimum of 60 hours in duration and is delivered in face to face contact over a period of several weeks or months.
Aimed at coaches working with players who are able to play football at a standard where they can confidently pass and receive the ball and scan for information, aged approximately twelve (12) years of age and above. The focus of the course is on teaching players how to use techniques and combine with each other to apply the principles of attack when the team is in possession and the principles of defence when the team is out of possession. Coaches are assessed while coaching players in opposed practices and small sided games up to 8 vs 8.
To register for the B Diploma, a coach must be:
- In possession of a valid Football Australia/AFC C Diploma (or international equivalent) and have held the C Diploma for a minimum twelve (12) months.
- Minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
Aimed at coaches working with highly competent to expert players aged sixteen (16) and above. The focus of the ‘A’ Diploma is to analyse the different ways teams apply the principles of attack and defence. Reference is made to research data to provide coaches with information that will challenge assumptions and influence strategic thinking when preparing teams to play. Coaches are assessed on their competency to coach players ‘in the game’ involving 9 v 9 to 11 v 11 practices.
To register for the A Diploma, a coach must be:
- In possession of a valid Football Australia/AFC B Diploma (or international equivalent) and have held the B Diploma for a minimum twelve (12) months.
- Minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
Aimed at coaches working with highly competent professional players. An intensive course with distance learning and post-course assignments. Four key themes— leading oneself, leading others, leading culture, and the business of football—are central to the course. Leadership, both on and off the field, and managing the demands of being a professional coach are heavily emphasised throughout the course to better equip students to handle the intricacies of the role.
To register for the Pro Diploma, a coach must be:
- In possession of a valid Football Australia/AFC A Diploma (or international equivalent) and have held the A Diploma for a minimum twelve (12) months.
- Minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
Football Australia Foundation of Goalkeeping
Formerly known as Goalkeeping C Diploma and Goalkeeping Level 1.
The Foundation of Goalkeeping course is designed as the first accreditation step for coaches, parents or volunteers who work with, or plan to work with goalkeepers of any standard across the country.
The training is designed with the player in mind and is based on how goalkeeper sessions should be delivered: safely and effectively and with a sense of fun. After completing the course, the student will be able to: Identify the training needs of goalkeepers, identify ways to make training inclusive for all participants, implement basic goalkeeper coaching principles, and create engaging goalkeeper sessions.
To register for the Foundation of Goalkeeping, a coach must be minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
The Foundation of Goalkeeping course replaces the AFC/FA Level 1 GK course and is the minimum requirement for Football NSW competitions for 2024.
Football Australia/AFC Goalkeeping B Diploma
Aimed at coaches working with players who are able to play football at a standard where they can confidently pass and receive the ball and scan for information, aged approximately twelve (12) years of age and above. The course is designed to provide a logical connection to the Foundation of Goalkeeping Certificate covering in greater detail: (1) the technical aspects of the game, including teaching the basics of passing, receiving, and running with the ball, as well as defending strategies; (2) the principles of coaching and comprehension of the principles of play; and (3) around to the concept of teaching behaviour using various sorts of practice methods.
To register for the Goalkeeping B Diploma, a coach must be:
- In possession of a valid Football Australia Foundation of Goalkeeping
- In possession of a valid Football Australia/AFC C Diploma.
- Minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
Football Australia Foundation of Futsal
The Foundation of Futsal is aimed at volunteer parents and coaches working with novice players or players aged up to approximately twelve (12) years old. You will participate in classes covering the basics of futsal as well as learning about basic playing formations during this course. The course is entirely practical and not graded, allowing the student to participate in real training sessions if they so choose. The course also promotes participating in group discussions with the goal of exchanging experiences.
To register for the Foundation of Futsal, a coach must be minimum eighteen (18) years of age.
Futsal Level One
The Futsal Level One course has a focus on the development of players individual technique and tactics, an introduction to dualities and transition. The AFC coaching process and methodology are introduced, with both instructor and participant led practical sessions. Participants are required to successfully demonstrate an understanding of the coaching process and methodology in an on course practical, as well as a dissertation.
To register for the Futsal Level One, a coach must be minimum eighteen (18) years of age.