FA Coaching Qualifications

These qualifications help individuals build confidence, gain recognised skills and progress into volunteering, coaching, refereeing or paid employment within grassroots football.

Our FA courses are suitable for people with little or no previous experience, as well as those looking to continue their development within the game.

Courses we can support you to access

Depending on funding and availability, we can support participants to complete courses such as:

• Introduction to Coaching Football

• UEFA C Coaching Course

• Introduction to Refereeing

• Safeguarding Children

• Safeguarding Adults

• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

• Introduction to Disability Football

• Introduction to Futsal

• Welfare and Inclusion Training

• Respect and Equality Workshops

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Workshops

What you'll learn

Participants may learn:

• Coaching techniques and session planning

• Communication and leadership skills

• Safe and inclusive coaching practices

• Football laws and refereeing skills

• Safeguarding responsibilities

• First aid awareness

• Disability inclusion in football

• Teamwork and professionalism

• Confidence and public speaking

• Match management and decision-making

Who can attend?

Our courses are suitable for:

• Adults aged 18+

• Existing volunteers

• Aspiring coaches

• Aspiring referees

• People looking to work in sport

• Individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges or disabilities

• Community members wishing to develop new skills

No previous coaching or refereeing experience is required for most introductory courses.

Benefits

By completing an FA course you can:

• Gain nationally recognised qualifications.

• Increase your confidence.

• Improve your employability.

• Volunteer within your local community.

• Progress into paid coaching or refereeing opportunities.

• Support grassroots football.

• Develop leadership and communication skills.

• Enhance your CV.

What to bring

Please bring:

• Comfortable sports clothing (where practical sessions are included)

• Suitable trainers or football footwear if requested

• Waterproof clothing if training takes place outdoors

• A notebook and pen

• Drinks and refreshments

• Any medication you may require

Accessibility

We are committed to making learning inclusive and accessible. If you have any disabilities, learning needs or additional support requirements, please let us know before the course so we can make appropriate arrangements wherever possible.

Progression opportunities

After completing your qualification, participants may have opportunities to:

• Volunteer with Minds United Sports Club CIC.

• Coach at community football sessions.

• Referee recreational and competitive matches.

• Support disability football programmes.

• Mentor new volunteers.

• Progress towards higher FA qualifications.

• Gain paid sessional work where opportunities become available.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn, develop and achieve their potential through football, regardless of their background or previous experience.