Education Overview
The following information provides the basic features of our Coaching Education Program. Individuals with questions about coaching education are encouraged to email Tom Condone, State Director of Coaching or call 615-590-2200 x130 .
State Funded Coaching Instruction
D, E, and Youth Module Courses
Tennessee Soccer provides 5 free D courses and 6 free E courses statewide per year (September 1st-August 31st). We also provide free Youth Modules for clubs.
- If you are a non-registered Tennessee Soccer coach or a coach that resides out-of-state, there is a $15.00 fee for the YM, $35.00 fee for the E and $70.00 for the D.
- A minimum number of 16 candidates are required for the D or E License.
- The free D and E courses shall be held in an area where the majority of coaches exist; site will be decided by Tennessee Soccer.
- Please contact State Director of Coaching regarding a Youth Module for your club/association.
In addition to the free courses, clubs may apply to host additional courses on an as needed basis. Additional D, and E courses, beyond the free ones, will have fees involved. Please contact State Director of Coaching for details.
Curriculum Offered
The State Coaching School offers graduated levels of instructional courses. This progressive format enables coaches to identify their level and choose courses that meet their specific needs. For more detailed information, please see links, titled, 'Course Descriptions' and 'Course Materials.'
Youth Module
This course is designed for the parent/coach working with the U6, U8, and U10 age groups. The Youth Module is a 4-hour course that combines both classroom and field sessions, emphasizing age appropriate teaching and activities. No licensing prerequisite and no testing required. A minimum age of 14 is needed to attend this course.
E Certificate Course
This course is designed to focus on the development of the player, both individually, and as part of the team. The E is an 18-hour intermediate course that emphasizes technical development and focuses on the U9-U12 age group. No licensing prerequisite and no testing required. A minimum age of 17 is needed to attend this course.
D License
This is the most advanced state level course offered by Tennessee Soccer. This license involves 38-hours of instructing and testing. The emphasis is on players U12 and above, preparing coaches by expanding their knowledge and understanding of the technical and tactical demands of the game and the developmental process necessary for players of these ages. There is oral, written, and field-testing in the D License. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have held the E Certificate or equivalent (i.e. NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma) for six months.
National Courses
For information pertaining to US Soccer's National A, B, and C Licenses, please go to www.ussoccer.com. Tennessee Soccer does hold state hosted National C Courses, on US Soccer's approval.
National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
Based in Kansas City, Kan., the NSCAA is the largest coaches' organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1941, it has grown to include more than 26,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. For more information on the NSCAA and courses taught, please go to www.nscaa.com.
Special Topics
Tennessee Soccer offers special topic courses for clubs/teams to fit their specific needs. Contact the State Director of Coaching for Details.
District Coaching Coordinators
District Coordinators are selected to assist the State Director of Coaching in the programming associated with Coaching Education. Please contact the State of Director of Coaching or the coordinator in your district with any questions:
Central District
Bill Vice, viceb@rcs.k12.tn.us
Eastern District
Mike Kelleher, mikekelleherusa@hotmail.com
Middle District
John Chisolm, gk1tn@yahoo.com
Northeast District
Declan Jogi, declan6@bvunet.net
Southeast District
Curtis Blair, twcboys@bellsouth.net
Western District
Chris Leonardi, cleonardi@usjbruins.org
