How do I get started? How much does it cost?

So whats the first step to get onto the coaching ladder? Well, here in the UK, the FA offer progressive coaching courses, leading you all the way to your desired level.

The first step is the FA level 1 Club Coach. This teaches the basics of training, and also FA Emergency First Aid and FA Children Ensuring Safety in Football which is needed further along the qualifactions. This is open level entry, anyone can apply.

The second step, the FA level 2 Club Coach extends this training, and goes alot deeper, including alot of theory work. From the FA's website:

Course Content:
Practical Demonstrations including:

• Basic techniques -
  • passing
  • ball-control
  • running with the ball
  • turning
  • dribbling
  • shooting
  • heading
  • goalkeeping
• Attacking and defending (1 v 1 and 2 v 2)
• Principles of attack and defence - small-sided games (3 v 3, 4 v 4)
• Warm-up/cool down
• Group work and discussion

Theory:

• The Learning and Coaching Process I (including communication and coaching styles)
• Planning, Preparing and Evaluating Coaching Sessions
• Football Fitness I
• Football Food I
• Emergency Aid
• Health and Safety
• Overuse Injuries
• Growing Up: Youngsters in Football
• Laws of the Game
• Attitudes and Ethics

Observed Coaching Practice:

• Three sessions techniques, skills and principles of play in attacking or defending
• Group review of coaching

This is also open entry, but requires those that havent completed the level one to have relevant coaching experience.

These courses can then lead onto your further training, going up to level 3 (which is a Uefa B licence) or even to specialist youth training courses. How can you get on these? Well the first thing to do is contact your local FA (contact details can be found here) and asking them if they have any courses available.

The down side? These courses arent free, and if you intend to get higher up in the qualifactions, they can cost quite alot. My hope is to do levels 1-3 and also youth coaching, with the cost as below:

FA Coaches Association Membership	£39.50
FA Level 1 Club Coach	£65.00
FA Level 2 Club Coach	£275.00
FA Level 3 Club Coach	£785.97 (early booking and FACA Membership)
Youth Coach	£734.20(early booking and FACA Membership)
Total Cost (before equipment/travel etc)	£1889.67

This is based on this years prices, these of course could go up. Without the early booking and FACA membership, these courses are about £1200 each.

As you can see this is quite alot... donations greatfully recieved!!!