Course Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for this course, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

✅ Hold a valid UEFA B Diploma

✅ Have a minimum of one year’s coaching experience after successfully completing the UEFA B Diploma and the first webinar session of the UEFA A Diploma

✅ Be actively coaching or able to provide evidence of an internship at U16 level or above

✅ Have a good command of spoken and written English, as the course will be delivered entirely in English

✅ Priority will be given to coaches who completed their UEFA B Diploma through the Irish Football Association

✅ If your UEFA B Diploma was completed with another National Association, you will be required to submit a UEFA Cross Border Form. This form will be provided by the Irish FA if you are offered a place on the course.

Course Objectives

The UEFA A Diploma is an advanced coaching qualification designed to prepare coaches to lead and manage teams at the professional, semi-professional, or top amateur levels.

The course focuses on player and team development in high-performance football environments.

Course Format & Requirements

The course includes:

✅ Two residential practical blocks

✅ Online theoretical learning

✅ Face-to-face workshops

✅ Distance learning modules

Full attendance is mandatory for all practical and online components.

Time off will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and must be made up at a later date.

Candidates are expected to actively take part in practical pitch sessions as part of staff demonstrations and peer coaching.

(Exemptions may be considered in cases of illness or injury.)

All coursework, assignments, and online tasks must be completed and submitted through the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform.

Course Completion

⏳ Candidates have a maximum of 3 years from the start date to successfully complete all elements of the course.

🎓 Upon completion of all practical and theoretical requirements, candidates will be awarded the UEFA A Diploma.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The UEFA A Licence remains valid for three years. During this time, coaches must complete at least 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to renew their Licence for another three-year period. Of these 15 hours, a minimum of 10 must be completed through Irish FA CPD events, which include the Irish FA | UEFA Youth Diplomas and other relevant Irish FA courses. The remaining 5 hours may be completed externally, provided the activities are relevant to the qualification. However, this CPD requirement does not apply if the coach enrolls in the UEFA Pro Diploma within the same three-year period.