An Overview:

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 Trainers Diploma Level 1, coaches must have completed the following:

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

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.

• Online Learning #1: Introduction: June 19th
• Online Learning #2: Warm-up, Coordination Theory: June 26th
• Online Learning #3: Aerobic & Anaerobic Energy System Theory: July 10th
• Online Learning #4: Fitness Assessment Theory; Periodization of Training: July 17th
• Online Learning #5: Strength Training Theory, Special Consideration: July 24th
• Theoretical Assignment Submission: August 6th
• Practical Delivery (In-Person): Date To Be Determined
• Final Course Assignment: Due Date To Be Determined

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).

• 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.