Overview: The Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma supports the coach in the grassroots and competitive environments. 

Target Coach: The Grassroots Diploma is a requirement for the 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 and regulations for up-to-date information on Coaching License Requirements. 

Course Duration: 35 hours

Course Fee: $800

Learning Environment:

• 2 days, In-person (On-field)
• Independent Online Learning (asynchronous)
• Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous)
• Assessment of Competency

Licence Validity: Upon successful completion of the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma the coach will receive a coaching license valid for five (5) years. The license may be maintained by following the Ontario Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process. 

Pre-requisite: 

• Learn to Train or Soccer for Life (Trained)
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) 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

Application and Registration: To submit an application for the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma, use the following JotForm.

Application window is open until January 8, 2026

Successful coaches will be notified by January 20, 2026

Confirmation of placement through payment by February 3, 2026

Overview: The Goalplayer Coach Diploma course is produced by Ontario Soccer. The course combines theoretical and practical components of how to effectively coach goalplayers. Furthermore, it is a prerequisite for Canada Soccer’s Youth Goalplayers License. Coaches intending to apply for next year’s course must be certified by the application cycle in the Fall. 

Learning Outcome:

The workshop modules target the following subject matter:

• Role of the Goalplayer and the Goalplayer Coach
• Methodology of coaching a Goalplayer
• Planning a session f or a Goalplayer
• Shot stopping: Where they come from?
• Goalplayer-specific fitness, agility and nutrition

Course Duration: 45 hours. 

Course Fee: $800

Pre-requisite:

• Learn to Train or Soccer for Life (Trained)
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) 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

Application and Registration: To submit an application for the Ontario Soccer Goalplayer Coach Diploma, use the following JotForm.

Application window is open until January 8, 2026

Successful coaches will be notified by January 20, 2026

Confirmation of placement through payment by February 3, 2026

Overview: The Ontario Soccer Futsal Certificate is focused on supporting coaches interested in learning about the game of futsal. 

Course Duration: 9 hours

Course Fee: $325

Course Dates: 

Date 1: January 24, 2026

Date 2: February 28, 2026

Location: 

4010 Sladeview Cres

Mississauga, Ontario L5L 6B1

Learning Environment:

• 1 day, in-person
• Classroom Session
• On-field Session

Pre-requisite:

• Canada Soccer Introduction to Futsal
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) 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

Licence Validity: Upon successful completion of the Ontario Soccer Futsal Coach Certificate (Practical) the coach will receive a coaching certificate valid for five (5) years. The certificate may be maintained by following the Ontario Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process. 

Application and Registration: To submit an application for the Ontario Soccer Futsal Certificate, use the following JotForm. 

Application window is open until January 8, 2026

Successful coaches will be notified by January 12, 2026

Confirmation of placement through payment by January 16, 2026

Please note: The Ontario Soccer Futsal Coach Diploma will be piloted in early 2026. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.

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.

Course Duration: 75 hours

Course Fee: $1,650

Learning Environment:

• 6 days, In-person (classroom & on-field)
• Independent Online Learning (asynchronous)
• Collaborative Online Learning (synchronous)
• Assessment of Competency

Licence Validity: Upon successful completion of the C Diploma the coach will receive a coaching license valid for three (3) years. The license may be maintained by following the Canada Soccer Maintenance and Renewal Process.

Pre-requisite:

• Learn to Train or Soccer for Life (Trained) or Ontario Soccer Grassroots Diploma (Certified)
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) Workshop
• NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) 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

Application and Registration: To submit an application for the Canada Soccer C Diploma, use the following JotForm.

Application window is open until January 8, 2026

Successful coaches will be notified by January 20, 2026

Confirmation of placement through payment by February 3, 2026

If you have any further questions about the process, please contact Brandon Frith, Manager, Player and Coach Development.