New UEFA C Diploma launches for grassroots coaches

Grassroots coaches across Europe will have a chance to join UEFA’s family of more than 200,000 active qualified coaches thanks to the launch of the new UEFA C Diploma.

The latest addition to UEFA’s highly respected coaching certificates will provide both an introduction to coaching and a clear development pathway for anyone looking to enhance their skills, from parents and volunteers to teachers and anyone else who already holds a training position.

"This is an important step for UEFA and the many thousands of coaches in European grassroots football," said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. "It also underlines UEFA’s long-term commitment to grassroots football at a time when many clubs and communities are unable to train and play as normal due to lockdown restrictions."

The minimum 60-hour course gives participants the tools and skills to nurture a lasting love of the game.

Aleksander Čeferin with children at a grassroots football festival in SloveniaUEFA via Getty Images

'Key role of grassroots football'

"The UEFA C Diploma will provide a crucial formal qualification for coaches, while also providing them with the confidence to deliver well-planned and high-quality sessions that are suited to the players in their care," President Čeferin added.

"The course work recognises the key role of grassroots football and, in particular, coaches in reinforcing fundamental values of sport and society, such as respect and inclusivity and ensuring the game welcomes everyone, regardless of age, gender, background or ability.

"UEFA coach education leads the world in its modern approach, philosophy and methodology and with this new qualification we are showing we remain committed to setting and raising the standard at all levels of the game."

How UEFA protects and develops coaching in Europe

The C Diploma helps coaches create a safe and enjoyable environment for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds©UEFA

With this addition, UEFA now endorses coaching diplomas at C, B, A and Pro levels, with specialist qualifications also available for youth, goalkeeper and futsal coaches. Recipients of each diploma are issued with a coaching licence, which is valid for three years.

Member associations issue the licenses, providing their courses meet UEFA criteria and standards - these are regularly revised and updated to match the latest trends in the game.

UEFA’s focus on consistently setting high coach education standards helps to improve the quality of players and matches across the continent, keeping European teams at the forefront of the world’s most popular sport.

That's why the UEFA Coaching Convention is backed by UEFA member associations, guaranteeing a unified and minimum standard of coach education across the continent.

What are the main roles of the UEFA Coaching Convention?

Grassroots coaches can inspire a lifelong love of the gameBen Radford/Getty Images

- Improve coaching standards and ensure that European football is at the forefront of coach education
- Ensure there are well-educated coaches at all levels of the game for the wellbeing, physical, psychological and technical development of players
- Maintain and raise coaching standards within UEFA member associations, and ensure quality vocation education is available
- Establish standardised UEFA diplomas for coaches working at all levels in football and futsal
- Increase the number of male and female coaches with recognised coaching qualifications
- Ensure that quality vocational education is available to support the development of coaching
- Maintain football coaching as a recognised, regulated profession
- Promote the free movement of qualified coaches within Europe.

Visit your national association's website for more information on how to register for a UEFA C Diploma.