Coach Development
VAFC Coaching Information & Schedule (updates coming)
VAFC provides and pays for all VAFC coaches to complete the courses within the Community Sport Stream. All courses are open at no cost to VAFC coaches and Managers only. Coaches from other clubs should contact Steve Weston if they wish to participate, and will be charged the course fee as set by BC Soccer.
Coach Education Pathway
Canada Soccer has now transitioned to the new CSA/NCCP Coaching programs which have replaced the Community Coaching levels (Children’s, Youth, and Senior) and were launched on January 1, 2012. After January 1st, 2014, the old Community Coaching levels (CCC, CCY, and CCS) will not be recognized.
The following chart lays out the transition for coaches according to various programming, league and competition standards. More detailed information is available at BC Soccer.
Through the VAFC, coaches are offered all the coaching workshops in the Community Stream. Following are brief course descriptions for each module and the times and registration codes for upcoming VAFC hosted events.
Participants must attend both sessions; to accommodate coaching schedules an extra evening session maybe scheduled with participants.
To register for coaching clinics, please go to https://vafc.ca/coach-certification-clinics/.
Active Start: U6
At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be on movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Informal games can be set up at the end of practices or as part of a jamboree mixing exercising and games. All players should receive equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and time should be allotted equally between practices and games.
Pre-requisite: None
Fundamentals: U7-U9
At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be on movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Mini game formats are used, ranging from 3v3 to 5v5 and a basic league schedule can be created but no standings should be kept. All players should receive equal playing time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and time should be allotted equally between practices and games.
Learn to Train: U9-U12
This stage introduces players to disciplined training and begins to develop their understanding of principles of play alongside their skills practice. Repetitions are important to develop technical proficiency, but creating a fun and challenging environment is still paramount to stimulate learning and promote a love of the game. Game formats can range from 6v6 to 8v8 as players advance through this stage, and again a simple league schedule can be created, but no standings should be kept – the emphasis is still on FUN. All players should receive equal playing time and try all team positions, including goalkeeping, and the training to competition ratio should be 2 to 3 training sessions for every game.
Pre-requisite: None
Soccer for Life: U13 – U18+
At this stage, skills training demands and training loads are increased to develop and refine skills and tactics. Tactical awareness becomes an increasingly important facet of training, alongside mental toughness, concentration, and diligence. Elite soccer groups may express interest in recruiting talented young players, but coaches and parents should be careful to recognize and protect the long-term interests of each athlete. Game formats develop from 8v8 to 11v11 (although there is no 11v11 play prior to the U13 age group) as players grow through this stage, and the season moves toward year-round play that includes appropriate rest and recovery periods. Please note that BC Soccer requires completion of this course for all coaches whose teams will be involved in Provincial Cup play.
Please have a look at the Documents page under Manuals, Rules & Resources for coaching guides and practice templates.
2021 / 2022
U13 to U18 Coach
Development Guide
2021 / 2022
U11 to U12 Coach
Development Guide
2017 BC Soccer
Small-Sided Soccer
Development Manual
August 2017
BC Soccer
Rules & Regulations
