UEFA C DIPLOMA

Please note: Only candidates based in Northern Ireland are eligible for the UEFA C Diploma REGIONAL Courses.

International candidates (i.e. a candidate from outside of Northern Ireland) are only eligible to apply for the course held at the Crowne Plaza. This course has higher facility costs and provides catering daily which is why it is more expensive than the Regional UEFA C Diploma Course.

The course content is the same for both International and Regional courses.

COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the course

• Successful completion of Irish FA’s National Coaching Certificate or Irish FA Level One within the previous six years (only applicable for candidates from Northern Ireland)

• Any coach from outside of Northern Ireland must have a valid coaching qualification equivalent or higher than the Irish FA NCC

• The Irish FA advise that candidates are actively coaching at a football club, as the focus of the course is based on player development

• The course will be delivered in English, therefore candidates are required to have a good command of written and spoken English

The Irish FA reserves the right to use the following criteria should there be higher demand for places than we can accommodate:

• The candidate is based or was born in Northern Ireland

• The candidate is actively coaching

• We may ask for candidates to submit a CV.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The UEFA C Diploma is the highest participation award in the Irish FA coaching pathway. It provides candidates with the skills to create a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge and skill, regardless of age, ability, gender or background.

Theoretical and practical content around four key pillars will inform coaches of how to plan, deliver and reflect on coaching sessions for grassroots players: There is a specific emphasis on developing coaches’ knowledge of the Principles of Play with players aged 10+.

1. Coach 2. Environment 3. Player 4. Game

COURSE OUTLINE

The UEFA C Diploma will consist of 5 learning blocks. Full attendance and participation on all blocks Is required to attain the qualification and be awarded with the UEFA C Diploma.

Block 1 (Pre – Course)

• Complete and submit a Self-Evaluation Task

• Complete online Safeguarding Modules

• Watch video & complete online First Aid Quiz

• Read resource & complete online Nutrition Quiz

Block 2 (Online Workshops)

Irish FA Coach Developers will host 3 hour workshops. As per UEFA requirements, ALL candidates must be in attendance and interact with each other as it is an essential part of the learning process. Candidates who do not attend will not be able to continue the course as participation is mandatory.

• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Introduction the UEFA C Diploma’

• Attend & participate fully in an online workshop ‘Session Planning – Coaching the Principles of Play.' Candidates will be put into groups for coaching tasks and will be expected to deliver a micro session in Block 3.

 • Attend & participate fully in an online workshop 'Psychology & Effective Communication'. 

Block 3 (Face to Face Delivery – 4 days)

Tutor Demonstrations:

• Principles of Play

• Conditioned Small Sided Games

• Conditioning for Games

Candidate coaches are expected to participate in practical pitch sessions as part of tutor led demonstrations and peer coaching sessions. However, exceptions can be made due to illness or injury.

Theoretical Topics include:

• Effective Communication

• Psychology

• Player Development

• Reflective Practice

• Goal Setting

Block 4 (At Regional Clubs)

After the conclusion of the practical week, candidates working at similar levels will be put into small working groups, to share their knowledge, ideas and experiences. This ‘Community of Practice’ will be supported by an Irish FA staff member who will oversee and support each candidate as they apply their learning.   Local candidates will be expected to organise a minimum of two club-based visits.  Candidates based outside of Northern Ireland will be expected to record and submit two videoed sessions. Candidates will also be expected to submit the following onto the online learning platform for grading:

• Tutor observations on candidate coaching performance

• 10 hours of practical coaching sessions

• Self - reflections of coaching performance

PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION

Timeframes for the completion of tasks will be outlined prior to the course commencing. Candidates should adhere to these where possible to meet the accreditation criteria. Completion of the course should take no longer than 3 months from the start date of the course. UEFA criteria for awarding a UEFA C Diploma include:

• Full attendance. This includes all practical days and online workshops. Only in exceptional circumstances will candidates be permitted time off from the course. (This time must be made up at a later date).

• All tasks are to be completed and submitted via the Irish FA’s Online Education Platform at www.irishfacoaching.com Candidates must demonstrate the personal skills, attributes and knowledge that provide a positive developmental experience that enhances players enjoyment, knowledge, skill and development. This must be appropriate to their age and stage of players learning. Formative & summative feedback will be given during the Community of Practice process.

• All candidates who successfully complete the course will receive the UEFA C Diploma. This is an e-certificate available to print & download from the online learning platform.

RE-ASSESSMENTS

If the candidate fails to meet the required standard in the they will be permitted to have a maximum of two further assessments. Any reassessments will be at an additional cost to the candidate.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

The UEFA C Diploma is valid for three years, during which period the coach must accumulate a minimum of 15 CPD Credits to re-validate the Diploma for a further three-year period. However, the above is not required if the coach enrols on the UEFA B Diploma within this period.

There must then be a minimum of six months from when you receive your UEFA C Diploma before you can attend a UEFA B Diploma. You can apply before completing, but your application will depend on the successful completion of the UEFA C Diploma Course within the specified timeframe.