Children’s Diploma

Overview

Boost your impact in Grassroots development by earning a specialized coaching diploma designed to raise the profile of coaching in Grassroots. This advanced program deepens your understanding of the complete developmental needs of young players—on and off the field.

Through this diploma, coaches will gain enriched knowledge in the holistic development of children and Grassroots Programming, including technical development, physical literacy, psychological well-being, and social connection. You’ll learn, child-centered coaching methods that inspire confidence, nurture creativity, and build a lifelong love for the game.

Course Syllabus: DOWNLOAD HERE

Priority Acceptance: Preference is given to applicants actively coaching in u8 – u13 environments.

Course at a Glance

Prerequisites

To apply, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Licence: Completed Online Theory and Practical Grassroots Workshops training for Active Start, Fundamentals, and Learn to Train.
• Role: Currently coaching or Leading Grassroots programming U13 and below.
• Clearance: Valid Criminal Record Check.

Admissions Timeline

• Apply (Jan 1 – Mar 31): Applications close strictly at the end of the business day on March 31.
• Review (April – May): All applicants are screened during this period.
• Notification (By May 31): Acceptance or rejection notices are sent.
• Acceptance: Selected candidates have 30 days to accept their spot and pay the fee in full.

Course Details

Format & Attendance

• In-Person: Two workshops (3.5 days each) comprising classroom and field work.
• Online: A mix of self-paced (asynchronous) and collaborative (synchronous) learning.
• Attendance Policy: Coaches must attend 100% of all sessions to be licenced.

Fees ($3,150)

• Includes: Mentor support, content access, facility rentals, digital tools, and Canada Soccer branded Nike equipment (excluding footwear).
• Excludes: Travel, accommodations, meals, and costs associated with filming practical sessions.

2026/27 Workshop Schedule

British Columbia – Surrey United FC

Cloverdale Athletic Park

Ontario – Ontario Soccer Centre

Quebec – Centre Sportif Bois-de-Boulogne

The application window for the 2026/27 Advanced Coach Education Program is open until March 31, 2026. To apply for a Canada Soccer Advanced Coach Education Workshop, click here.