UCSC Club Coach Certification & Licensing Requirements

Required coach certifications, licensing, and training information for club coaches and assistant coaches.

✅ UYSA Required Certificates for club coaches

All Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete the following required certifications yearly:

SafeSport Training

  1. New Users: Create an account at SafeSport Trained
  2. Existing Users: Log in and reset your password if necessary.

Note: Certificates completed during the current seasonal year remain valid through the following spring season.

Concussion Training

Coaches must complete one of the following UYSA-approved concussion courses:

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Requirement: Must be completed annually before participating in practices or games.

□ Uploading Certificates

Upload all completed certificates to your profile in:

Sports Connect

□ Required Coaching License

All coaches must hold the appropriate coaching license for their coaching position. See the UYSA Coaching Education page for additional information.

License Types

USSF D License: Required to serve as a head coach for U14–U19 Premier 1 and Premier 2 teams.

Grassroots Licenses: Allows coaches to coach competitive teams in any age group or play level, except as head coach for U14–U19 Premier 1 and Premier 2 teams.

  • 11v11 — in-person
  • 9v9 — in-person
  • 7v7 — in-person
Coaching License

Waivers

  • Spring Waiver: Valid for one season only; no extensions are permitted.
  • Fall Waiver: Valid for one season only; no extensions are permitted.

Note: Team managers are not required to hold a coaching license.

Steps for Coaches Without a License

  1. Create or log into your account in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
  2. Complete the free 20-minute Introduction to Grassroots course.
  3. Complete one online Grassroots course that matches your team’s age group: 7v7, 9v9, or 11v11.
    Cost: $25
  4. Register for the waitlist of two corresponding in-person Grassroots courses hosted by the same organization.
    Cost: $60 per course, $120 total
  5. If no courses are currently available, join the notification list to receive an email when registration opens.

Important: The 4v4 online course does not qualify a coach for the competition gaming league.

Applying for a Coaching Waiver

If you have not completed the required Grassroots course or are not currently registered for an available course, you must apply for a waiver.

  1. Complete the Introduction to Grassroots course in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
  2. Pay the $25 U.S. Soccer Grassroots License waiver fee.
  3. Complete the License Waiver Application.
  4. Email the completed application to [email protected].
  5. Allow up to 48 business hours for processing.

Note: There is no need to send a copy of your certificate.