Northern California (October 12, 2026) – Cal North recently participated in a U.S. Soccer Coaching Education Department meeting where several potential changes to the national coaching education pathway, licensing standards, coach educator requirements, and continuing education expectations were discussed.
We want to share an early overview of these proposals so our Member Organizations, coaches, and educators can begin understanding what may be ahead.
IMPORTANT: NOTHING IS FINAL AT THIS TIME.
These proposed changes remain under review and are expected to be presented to the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors for approval in November 2026. If approved, implementation is currently targeted for January 2027. The information below is preliminary and subject to change. No action is required from coaches or Member Organizations regarding these proposed standards at this time.
⚽ 1. Potential Changes to Grassroots Coaching Education
One of the most significant proposals involves restructuring the current Grassroots Coaching Education pathway. U.S. Soccer is exploring a transition away from the existing game-format-based courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11) toward a more age-specific approach.
Proposed Player Development Certificates:
• U6/U8: Focused on players ages 4–8.
• U10/U12: Focused on players ages 8–12.
• U14/U16: Focused on players ages 12–16.
Under the proposed structure:
• Current Grassroots Licenses would transition to Player Development Certificates (PDCs).
• Each certificate would involve approximately four hours of education.
• Coaches would complete a one-hour online learning module followed by a two- to three-hour in-person field experience.
• Both the online and field components would be required to earn the certificate.
• Educational content would emphasize age-appropriate development, safe and inclusive environments, and player-centered coaching.
The goal is to provide coaches with education more directly aligned with the developmental needs of the players they work with.
📋 2. Potential Changes to the U.S. Soccer D Course
The D License pathway may also undergo significant restructuring.
Proposed changes include:
• The current D License would transition to a D Certificate.
• Course duration would decrease from approximately 48+ hours over nine weeks to approximately 40 hours over one month.
• The course would continue using a blended learning format, including two in-person weekends.
• Entry requirements would shift toward completion of one Player Development Certificate and the online modules associated with the other two age groups.
• The proposed course would replace the current summative assessment with a final reflection and evidence of coaching practice.
What about coaches who already hold Grassroots Licenses or a D License?
Under the proposal, existing Grassroots and D qualifications would continue to be recognized for eligibility into the D and C Courses through December 31, 2031. This proposed transition period is intended to provide continuity for coaches already progressing through the existing pathway.
🎓 3. Potential Changes to Coaching Licenses and Renewal Requirements
U.S. Soccer is also considering a broader qualification framework that would distinguish between certificates, diplomas, and active licenses.
Under this proposal:
• Certificates: Recognize completion of introductory or specialized learning, without an ongoing license renewal obligation.
• Diplomas: Recognize completion of advanced formal coaching education.
• Coaching Licenses: Represent an active coaching credential requiring ongoing professional development.
• Educator Licenses: Authorize individuals to deliver and assess U.S. Soccer Coaching Education and would be maintained separately from coaching licenses.
One of the biggest proposed changes is the introduction of a three-year license renewal cycle.
Coaches and educators holding licenses would potentially be required to:
• Complete recognized Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities.
• Maintain active SafeSport compliance.
• Meet applicable renewal requirements within a three-year cycle.
• Follow established renewal or reactivation procedures if their license expires.
The specific amount of continuing education required, including any minimum hours or credits, has not yet been established in the information presented. These proposals would place greater emphasis on continued learning and maintaining professional competency beyond the initial completion of a licensing course.
📚 4. Continuing Education & Professional Development
U.S. Soccer is looking to further establish Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as a core component of its coaching education system. Rather than viewing coaching education as something completed only when obtaining a new license, the proposed framework would encourage ongoing learning throughout a coach's career.
Potential components include:
• Recognized professional development opportunities through U.S. Soccer and approved Education Providers.
• Continuing education linked to active license renewal.
• More opportunities for coaches to remain current with player development methodology, coaching practices, and safeguarding expectations.
Further information regarding qualifying activities, credit requirements, and how CPD participation would be tracked is expected as the proposal develops.
👥 5. Potential Changes to Coach Educator Development
U.S. Soccer also outlined enhancements to its 2027 Coach Educator Development pathway, with an increased emphasis on mentorship, apprenticeship, and individualized learning.
The proposed direction includes:
• Hybrid learning: A combination of remote education and in-person experiences.
• Combined educator pathway: The D Course and Player Development Certificate educator pathways would be brought together.
• Structured mentorship: Student Coach Educators would participate in individual mentor meetings and guided development activities.
• Practical apprenticeship: Educators would gain experience delivering education, reflecting on their performance, and receiving feedback.
• Ongoing assessment: Greater emphasis on demonstrated teaching competency and professional growth.
U.S. Soccer has also outlined a preliminary application and selection process for prospective 2027 educators, including nominations, applications, interviews, and apprenticeship opportunities. Additional details are expected to be communicated through designated Coaching Education Technical Leads.
These developments could provide additional opportunities for qualified coaches interested in becoming U.S. Soccer Coach Educators.
🗓️ 6. Proposed Timeline & Next Steps
The anticipated timeline shared by U.S. Soccer is as follows:
• August–October 2026: Consultation, discussion, and feedback.
• November 2026: Anticipated U.S. Soccer leadership and Board consideration and approval.
• November–December 2026: Confirmation and communication of any approved changes.
• January 2027: Targeted implementation of the updated framework, subject to approval.
These dates are tentative, and implementation details may change.
🤝 What This Means for Cal North Member Organizations
At Cal North, we recognize the importance of keeping our Member Organizations informed about potential changes that could affect how coaches are trained, educated, and licensed.
If approved, these proposals could have implications for:
• How clubs and leagues plan and host entry-level coaching education courses.
• How coaches enter and progress through the national licensing pathway.
• How existing coaching qualifications are recognized during the transition.
• How coaches and educators maintain active credentials through continuing education.
• How Cal North recruits, develops, and supports its network of Coach Educators.
For now, existing U.S. Soccer Coaching Education requirements and pathways remain in place.
We encourage our Member Organizations and coaches to continue pursuing available education opportunities while we await further guidance.
📣 Cal North Will Keep You Updated
We are encouraged by U.S. Soccer's continued efforts to improve the accessibility, relevance, and quality of coaching education throughout the country. Cal North will continue working closely with U.S. Soccer's Coaching Education Department to understand these potential changes and prepare our membership for any approved updates.
We want to reiterate that these proposals are not yet official policy. We will communicate confirmed requirements, implementation timelines, and any necessary actions once U.S. Soccer has finalized its decisions.
Thank you for your continued commitment to coaching education, professional development, and providing positive soccer experiences for players across Northern California.