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

• Northern Ireland–based candidates must have successfully completed the Irish FA National Coaching Certificate or Irish FA Level One within the previous six years

• International candidates (outside Northern Ireland) must hold a valid coaching qualification equivalent to or higher than the Irish FA NCC

• Candidates should be actively coaching at a football club with players aged 11 years and over, as the course focuses 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 equips coaches with the skills to create a positive, developmental experience that enhances player enjoyment, knowledge, and skill—regardless of age, ability, gender, or background.

The course focuses on both theoretical and practical elements across four key pillars, helping coaches learn how to plan, deliver, and reflect on effective coaching sessions. There is a particular emphasis on the Principles of Play, and candidates should therefore be working with players aged 11 years and older.

COURSE OUTLINE

The UEFA C Diploma comprises of five learning blocks covering topics across the four pillars:

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

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 and submit a Psychology 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 three interactive online workshops (2 hours each).

As per UEFA requirements, attendance and active participation are mandatory.

Candidates who do not attend will not be permitted to continue the course.

Workshops include:

• Introduction to the UEFA C Diploma & Principles of Play

• Session Planning – Coaching the Principles of Play Candidates will be grouped for coaching tasks and expected to deliver a micro-session in Block 3.

 • Psychology & Effective Communication

Block 3 (Face to Face Delivery – 4 days)

Tutor Demonstrations:

• Principles of Play

• Conditioned Small Sided Games

• Conditioning for Games

Candidates are expected to participate in on-pitch practical sessions during tutor-led and peer-coaching activities.

Any injuries should be declared to Irish FA staff prior to the course.

Theoretical Topics include:

 • The four Pillars of the UEFA C Diploma

 • Player Development

 • Teaching and Learning

• Effective Communication

• Session Planning

• Reflective Practice

• Goal Setting

Block 4 - Regional or Club-Based Learning

After the practical block, candidates will join a Community of Practice - small groups of coaches working at similar levels. Each group will be supported by an Irish FA staff member who will provide guidance and feedback as candidates apply their learning.

• Local candidates will be expected to organise at least two club-based visits.

• International candidates will be required to record and submit two video sessions.

Candidates must also upload the following to the Irish FA Coach Education Platform for assessment: 

 Completed UEFA C Diploma Candidate Logbook

 • Evidence of 10 hours of practical coaching

• Tutor observations on coaching performance

PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION

Timeframes for task completion will be provided before the course begins. Candidates must adhere to these deadlines to meet accreditation criteria. The course should be completed within three months from the start date. UEFA criteria for awarding the UEFA C Diploma include:

• Full attendance at all practical days and online workshops. Absence will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, and missed content must be completed later.

• Completion and submission of all tasks via the Irish FA Online Education Platform (www.irishfacoaching.com).

• Demonstration of the skills, attributes, and knowledge required to provide a positive developmental experience that enhances players’ enjoyment, learning, and development.

Formative and summative feedback will be provided throughout the Community of Practice process. Successful candidates will receive a UEFA C Diploma Certificate, which can be downloaded and printed from the online platform.

RE-ASSESSMENTS

If a candidate does not meet the required standard within the course timeframe, they may undertake up to two further assessments to achieve the necessary standard for certification.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

The UEFA C 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 B Diploma within the same three-year 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.