Ontario Soccer is pleased to announce registration is now open for a new Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma Level 1 which begins June 19, 2021.

The course will offer a theory component, which will be delivered online and an in-person practical component, which will take place once it is safe to resume in-person activities under the Ontario Soccer Return to Play Guidelines and Public Health directives.

Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma – Level 1

The Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma Level 1 is a course produced by Ontario Soccer to address a growing need for a more profound understanding of fitness principles as they relate specifically to soccer. It is a supplementary course to the Licensing Stream pathway and better prepares coaches to address the training and development of the physical needs of their players in soccer-specific context.

What do you learn?

The Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma Level 1 content involves theoretical and practical components focusing on Coordination Development, Energy System Training, Fitness Assessments, Periodization of Training, and Strength Training. The workshop’s modules target the following learning outcomes:

• Introduce the use of technology in coaching (such as Sports Recovery Tracker)
• How to effectively plan and deliver a 1-hour soccer-specific fitness training session, including warm-up, coordination training, aerobic and anaerobic energy system training, and strength training
• How to incorporate coordination, energy system, and strength training as individual components of a training session if/when needed
• How to incorporate training of the energy systems into Whole-Part-Whole (Game-Activity-Game) methodology
• Develop a foundational understanding of the principles of periodization of training, and how to plan and monitor training load without the use of technology

What are the course pre-requisites?

Prior to registering for the Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma Level 1 course, coaches must have completed the following:

• Canada Soccer Learn to Train OR Soccer for Life OR C Licence Certified or higher
• Make Ethical Decisions Course + Make Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation
• Respect in Sport Online Module
• Making Headway in Soccer Online Module
• NCCP Emergency Action Planning

As alternatives to Soccer-specific Coaching Licences, an individual can apply if they can provide evidence of having completed the following training and/or certification:

• Current student or graduate of either a University Kinesiology or Physical Education Degree program, or College Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma program or holds any one of the following certifications:
• Certified Personal Trainer (CanFitPro, ACE, NASM, NSCA, OFC or equivalent)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
• Certified Group Exercise Instructor (CanFitPro, OFC, or equivalent)
• Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP)

Please note that due to the impact of the ongoing public health situation, on Ontario Soccer’s ability to deliver practical components for Coach Education in 2021, coaches who have only been able to complete the Online training component of either Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Coach Education (achieving a “Trained” status) or the C Licence (achieving an “In-Training” status), may still apply for the Soccer Fitness Trainer Diploma Level 1 in 2021.

Structure of the Course

The course will consist of five online Zoom sessions, a mid-course assignment, one on-field practical session and a final assignment.

The On-field Practical will likely be at the Ontario Soccer Centre (7601 Martin Grove Road - Vaughan, Ontario) or Ontario Tech University (2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON) once able to do so safely

• Location and Date To Be Confirmed once Public Health Restrictions Allow

PLEASE NOTE: 100% attendance and engagement is required for the duration of the course.

What is the cost?

$600

Application and Registration

Coaches are required to apply for the course via Coach Centre, providing proof of their completion of the pre-requisites. Upon being approved, coaches are then able to register for the course they are interested in.

If you have any questions, please contact Lyndon Hooper, Coordinator, Coach Education, Player Development & Club Licensing.