Ontario Soccer is excited to announce the opening of registration for the new Goalplayer Coach Certificate & Diploma Pilot (formerly Goalkeeper Coach Certificate & Diploma), in collaboration with Frans Hoek, which begins Saturday, July 12, 2025, in a fully in-person learning format at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre for the inaugural course.

The concept of the Goalplayer sees a shift in the education framework to reflect the evolution of the role of this player in the modern game; which sees greater engagement with the ball across all moments of the game as well as protecting the goal as a primary competency. 

Pilot Program Requirements & Outcomes

Coaches are required to provide feedback (post-course) to support the enhancement of the future implementation of the Certificate and Diploma for future deliveries. Prior to the course, a self-guided, online component – the Goalplayer Coach Certificate – will be accessed through Ontario Soccer’s Learning Management System for completion.  

Overview

The Goalplayer Coach Diploma course is produced by Ontario Soccer. The course combines theoretical & practical components of how to effectively coach goalkeepers. Furthermore, it is a prerequisite for Canada Soccer’s Goalkeeper Diploma. Coaches intending to apply for next year’s course must be certified by the application cycle in the fall.

Learning Outcomes

The workshop’s modules target the following subject matter:

• The Evolution of the role of the Goalkeeper
• The Goalplayer Coach: A key member of Technical Staff
• Fundamental skills & competencies of the Goalplayer across the ages
• Analyzing the match: A proactive & reactive approach
• Training the Goalplayer: An integrated methodology

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

Please note: The Course’s technical pre-requisites for future editions will be increased to the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma OR Concacaf C Diploma.

Course Fee:

$800 (inclusive of the Certificate course)

Licence Validity:

Upon successful completion of the Ontario Soccer Goalplayer Coach Certificate & 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.

Dates & Location – Course #1 – In-Person Delivery

In-person Classroom & Field at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre (7601 Martin Grove Rd, Vaughan, ON L4L 9E4):

• Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, July 14, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Application & Registration

All applicants must submit an up-to-date CV, copy of their NCCP transcript, a Letter of Intent, a Letter of Recommendation from the club, and two references via the Application Portal by no later than Sunday, June 8, 2025.

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