Overview: The Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma supports the coach in the grassroots and competitive environments.

Target Coach: The Grassroots Diploma is a requirement for U13 OPDL Assistant Coaches, Ontario Cup Head Coaches and IModel Pilot Project Head Coaches but is open to all coaches looking to advance their careers and understanding of the game. Please refer to each league’s rules & regulations for up-to-date information on Coach Licensing Requirements.

Course Duration: 35 hours

Learning Environment:

• 2 days, In-person (On-field)
• Independent Online Learning (asynchronous)
• Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous)
• Assessment of Competency

Pre-requisite:

• Learn to Train or Soccer for Life (Trained)
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop + Online Evaluation
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders (Soccer)
• NCCP Making Head Way in Sport (Soccer)
• NCCP Emergency Action Plan
• NCCP Understanding the Rule of Two

Course Fee: $800

Licence Validity: Upon successful completion of the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma the coach will receive a coaching licence valid for five (5) years. The licence may be maintained by following the Ontario Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process.

Application and Registration: Application window is open until August 30, 2024. Coaches must provide proof of pre-requisites. Successful candidates will be notified by September 6, 2024 and will need to confirm their placement through payment by September 13, 2024.

To submit an application for the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma please use the following Jotform.

Overview: The C Diploma develops the coach’s capacity to meet the demands of coaching grassroots soccer and is the entry-course to the Advanced Coach Education Pathway.

Target Coach: The C Diploma is a requirement for OPDL and League1 Ontario Assistant Coaches but is open to all coaches looking to advance their careers and understanding of the game.

Course Duration: 75 hours

Learning Environment:

• 6 days, in person (classroom & on-field)
• Independent Online Learning (asynchronous)
• Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous)
• Assessment of Competency

Pre-requisite:

• Learn to Train or Soccer for Life (Trained) or Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma (Certified)
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop + Online Evaluation
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders (Soccer)
• NCCP Making Head Way in Sport (Soccer)
• NCCP Emergency Action Plan
• NCCP Understanding the Rule of Two

Course Fee: $1,650

Licence Validity: Upon successful completion of the C Diploma the coach will receive a coaching licence valid for three (3) years. The licence may be maintained by following the Canada Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process.

Application and Registration: Application window is open until August 9, 2024. Coaches must provide proof of pre-requisites. Successful candidates will be notified by August 16, 2024 and will need to confirm their placement through payment by August 23, 2024.

To submit an application for the Canada Soccer C Diploma please use the following Jotform.

The changes relative to access to competitions are recommended for 2024 and will be fully mandated as minimum certification requirements for 2025.

If you have already obtained C Licence Certified status by passing your evaluation and are interested in progressing in the pathway, or are inquiring about maintenance and renewals, please visit the Canada Soccer website for more information.

Coaches who hold a valid National ‘C’ License trained or certified status will continue to be recognized until such a time as an upgrade or transition process is announced by Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer. Coaches can also be provided an opportunity to submit a Coach Development Plan as they work to achieve the required certifications.

If you have not completed your evaluation but are interested in doing so, or you are currently in the process, you can still complete your evaluation under the former process until December 31, 2024. To complete your evaluation, your current C Licence Trained must be valid. If your “Trained” status is no longer valid you will need to register for the Grassroots Diploma. Please see Information Bulletin I2023-43, for full details on how to register for the current C Licence evaluation, which must be completed by the end of the year.

To further support coaches, Canada Soccer is still awaiting approval into the Concacaf Coaching Convention, which will allow coach licensing upgrades into that pathway. As such, they have decided to postpone all upgrades to 2025, allowing them and coaches more time to finalize their transition plans. Any expired licenses will be extended for an additional year, on the condition that individuals are compliant with Canada Soccer's Safe Sport Roster.

Coaches looking to receive an extension of the validity of their licence for 2024, should be referred to Sarah Ouellette (souellette@canadasoccer.com) and will be required to submit a valid Criminal Record Check (dated within the last two years) and NCCP transcript reflecting the necessary training. The details can be found on their website here.

If you have any further questions about the process, please contact Ontario Soccer’s Coach Development Program.