Canada Soccer has announced updates to the Advanced Coach Education Program pathway that reflect the requirements of the Concacaf Coaching Convention. The changes will see Canada Soccer align to the standards of this convention, building synergies across the whole of the continent, which are highlighted in the core coaching pathway.

The Concacaf Coaching Convention is the agreement between Concacaf and its Member Associations which serves as a regulatory framework intended to standardize and raise the quality of coach education programs across the Concacaf region and its Member Associations. Once Canada Soccer is an approved member of the Concacaf Coaching Convention, any coach who possesses licensing obtained in Canada will be internationally recognized by any Concacaf Member Association. The full press release can be read here.

Ontario Soccer supports the Canada Soccer Advanced Coach Education Program through the provincial delivery of the Canada Soccer C Diploma (formerly known as the National C Licence). Effective in 2024, the Canada Soccer C Diploma (to be renamed the Concacaf C Diploma in the future) has undergone significant development to align with the Concacaf Coaching Convention; most notably the expansion of content and contact hours (previously 32 hours to over 70 hours).

This new C Diploma course is significant in scope and the commitment demanded of coaches - so Ontario Soccer, with the support of Canada Soccer – have developed a new course to offer further education and address the needs of an entry-level coach.

Despite initially being branded as the “D Diploma”, this course will be piloted and launched as the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma through 2024. A comparative chart is included below to assist with understanding these changes. More information on the opening of both the Canada Soccer C Diploma and Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma shall be released in a separate Information Bulletin.

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

Please note: Coaches who hold a valid National ‘C’ Licence 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.

Canada Soccer Licence Renewals and Upgrades

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.

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 Department.

Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma

Ontario Soccer is excited to announce the first available courses for both the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma, a new pilot initiative, and the Canada Soccer C Diploma.

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

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.

Structure of the Grassroots Diploma
Intensive Delivery: the course will consist of four (4) in-person days which include classroom & on-field components.

Blended Delivery: the course will consist of eight (8) online sessions and two (2) on-field practical sessions.

Canada Soccer C Diploma

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.

Canada Soccer C Diploma Syllabus

Course Duration: 75 hours

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 March 31st, 2024. Coaches must provide proof of pre-requisites. Successful candidates will be notified the first week of April and will need to confirm their placement through payment by April 7, 2024.

To submit an application to be approved to register for the Canada Soccer C Diploma please use the following Jotform.

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