A soccer coach is a professional who instructs players on the skills they need to succeed in soccer. They lead professional or amateur athletes in their soccer games, determining appropriate plays and who should be on the field.
What is the role of a soccer coach?
Coaches plan and supervise training sessions to develop general fitness and specific soccer skills. They may manage a team of coaches who focus on specific areas, such as defensive or offensive play, or goalkeeping. During training sessions, they practice tactics for specific plays such as free kicks or corner kicks.
Can a soccer coach coach during a game?
The coach can go onto the field during the game only if there is an injured player and the referee had signaled the coach to come onto the field.
What does a coach do during a game?
During the game, his job is to continue making adjustments based on the success, or failure, of the plan he an his staff have put together during the week. He needs to keep that “bird’s eye view” of the action in the sense that he needs to know what is happening with every aspect of his team.
How to Become A Soccer Coach In South Africa
What does a soccer coach do?
Job duties of a soccer coach include:
Planning and leading practices to focus on specific skills
Assessing strengths and weaknesses of individual players and the team overall
Determining player substitutions during games
Educating players on soccer rules, techniques and game strategies
Strategizing how to play against opponents
Giving encouraging talks to motivate players
Helping players stay fit through conditioning programs
Ensuring player safety during activities
How to become a soccer coach
Since there are many different divisions to coach for, ranging from youth to professionals, the requirements for being a coach vary. Here are some basic steps you can take to become a soccer coach:
1. Play soccer
While not required, having a former background in playing soccer can help you understand the game better and enhance your connections with your players. Knowledge of the game allows you to take skills you learned from the field and teach them to your players. This expertise is especially important if you wish to coach at a high-paying or competitive level.
2. Consider the level at which you want to coach
Paid soccer coaches commonly work with youth, university students or, at the highest level, state and national teams. Decide whether you want a position with younger players, college athletes or another group so you know which requirements you need to meet. Higher divisions require more certifications but offer a chance for a higher salary.
3. Volunteer to coach a local recreational team
Working with a recreational team can help you gain skills needed to become a successful coach. Having experience before you apply for a job is appealing to job recruiters as well.
4. Attend coaching clinics
Coaching clinics are specialized workshops that can help you learn different coaching techniques and methods for teaching soccer. You also can learn through online classes and seminars.
5. Get certified
Soccer coaches can earn six different certifications, ranging from A to F, through the South Africa States Youth Soccer Association. To coach at a youth club level, you must earn an E or F certification. National level coaching requires a C, B or A certification.
To receive a certification, you attend state workshops and classes to learn different techniques and drills that you can implement with your teams and utilize on the certifying exam.
Another certification for soccer coaches to consider is a CPR certification. Many job applications require soccer coaches to be CPR certified in case an accident happens during a game or practice.
Soccer coach skills
Here are some skills needed to be a soccer coach:
Communication: A soccer coach needs to be an effective communicator when teaching new drills. They also communicate with other teams and spectators at the game.
Knowledge of soccer: In order to teach the game, soccer coaches need to know how soccer works, including the rules to follow and strategies to implement.
Inspiration: Successful soccer coaches encourage their players to improve techniques and become the best player possible through positivity and emotional connection.
Organization: In order to plan helpful practices and drills, a coach needs organizational skills. They also keep records of player performance using a tracking system.
Patience: To work with players and help them develop certain skills, a soccer coach needs to be patient as they wait for improvement.
Punctuality: Because soccer coaches are role models for their players, they need to arrive early to practices and games.
Salary and job outlook for soccer coaches
The S.A Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that the job opportunities for athletic coaches will grow 12% by 2029, much faster than other occupations.
Fully licensed soccer coaches make a national average of R 706330.75 per year, with top college divisions paying close to R 2100745.76. Salaries depend on the size of the club or program for which you coach and whether you are a head or assistant coach.
How do you become a soccer coach in South Africa?
SAFA has currently a Coaching Education System in place with 5 different levels:
SAFA D License (Grassroots) -5 days.
CAF/SAFA C License (Introductory) -10 days.
CAF/SAFA B License (Level 1)-20 days.
CAF/SAFA A License (Level 2) -; 30 days.
Professional License (Level 3) – 70 days.
What education is needed to become a soccer coach in South Africa ?
Soccer coaches typically need a bachelor’s degree. They must also have extensive knowledge of soccer, usually first-hand experience as a player. Some coaches may decide to study exercise and sports science, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and fitness, physical education, and sports medicine.
How do I become a coach in South Africa?
The6 steps to becoming a Life Coach in South Africa
Understand What Coaching is.
Is Coaching a good fit for you?
Get Credibly Qualified.
Ask the Right Questions.
Keep Learning.
Exploring Your Coaching Options.
How long does a coaching certificate last in South Africa ?
The standard length of time for coach training is about two years. There are programs of varying quality that claim to do it faster
Where can I study to be a life coach in South Africa?
Top Life Coaching training institutes in South Africa
Transformation Coaching Academy, Johannesburg.
Academy of York, Randburg.
Integrative Coaching, Cape town.
New Insights Training, Cape town.
South African Life Coach Academy, Johannesburg.
Ledisa Academy, Johannesburg.
School of Life Academy, Pretoria.
How much do life coaches charge in South Africa?
R469,898 (ZAR)/yr.
Do I need to be certified to be a life coach in South Africa ?
Yes, and there are many different coaching certifications you can attain. However, the most respected and internationally recognized comes from the ICF International Coach Federation, a not-for-profit organization.
What qualifications do you need as a life coach in South Africa ?
You don’t need any specific degree or education to become a life coach. But a background in psychology, education, wellness, or even business and/or a coaching certification from an accredited training program can give you credibility and make you more marketable as a coach.
How do I register a football team in South Africa?
LFAs wishing to enrol their clubs should contact support@mysafa.net to request the club registration worksheet. Clubs interested in enrolling can download and complete the MYSAFA Club Pro registration form, then forward the completed form to their LFA.