Welcome to the Grassroots Course, offered through the US Learning Center! This course is designed for recreational soccer coaches who want to create a positive, fun, and developmentally appropriate experience for young players.
Whether you’re a first-time coach or a returning volunteer, the Grassroots course provides the essential knowledge and tools to confidently lead your team. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate coaching techniques, player development, and game principles tailored to the recreational level. MSYSA is committed to supporting coaches like you in fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging soccer environment for all players. Join us and make a lasting impact on your team this season!
Introduction
This page serves as your one-stop resource for navigating the Grassroots Coaching Pathway, helping you progress through each level – introduction, 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 – with ease. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your coaching knowledge, you’ll find everything you need right here. Each course builds on the last, providing a structured approach to age-appropriate coaching, player development, and game format strategies. With direct access to course registration, key materials, and learning tools, this page ensures a seamless experience so you can focus on what matters most – helping young players grow and enjoy the game. Let MSYSA and US Learning Center guide you through each step of your coaching journey!
Introduction to Grassroots Coaching
This is a free introductory module, which represents the first step in the newly revised coaching license pathway, is now the general starting point of the pathway, and is the required prerequisite to undergo any of the U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Licensing Courses. Coaches who complete the module will also be provided with four complimentary Play-Practice-Play training sessions. This course only takes twenty (20) minutes to complete and goes over the basic knowledge of coaching at a recreational level. To access this course, click here!
4v4
The 4v4 Grassroots Course is designed for coaches working with young players in small-sided game formats, focusing on fundamental skills, player engagement, and age-appropriate coaching methods. This course emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and supportive learning environment, where players can develop their technical abilities and understanding of the game in a 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 structure.
US Learning Center offers the 4v4 course in two formats:
Online course – A self-paced, interactive learning experience that allows you to complete the course at your convenience. This options includes videos, activities, and coaching scenarios to help you understand how to effectively organize training sessions and guide players in a small-sided game format.
In-Person course – A hands-on, immersive experience led by licensed instructors. This course includes both classroom learning and on-field practical sessions, where you’ll apply coaching principles in real-time and gain valuable feedback. The in-person format provides a more interactive and personalized approach to learning.
Both formats cover the same core principles but cater to different learning styles. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the hands-on experience of in-person training, the 4v4 Grassroots course will help you build confidence and competence as a recreational soccer coach.
7v7
The 7v7 Grassroots Course is designed for coaches working with players transitioning to a larger small-sided game format. This course focuses on fundamental skills development, team shape, and introducing basic tactical concepts in a 7v7 setting, helping young players build confidence and a better understanding of the game. Coaches will learn how to create engaging, developmentally appropriate training sessions that foster individual growth and teamwork.
US Learning Center offers the 7v7 course in two formats:
Online course – A self-paced learning option that provides flexibility for busy coaches. This course includes interactive activities, videos, and scenario-based learning to help you understand player development, game structure, and coaching principles specific to the 7v7 format. This course is ideal for those who prefer to learn at their own pace.
In-Person course – A hands-on training experience that combines classroom instruction with on-field practical application. Led by licensed instructors, this course provides direct feedback and real-world coaching experience, allowing you to practice coaching techniques with fellow participants and players.
Both formats cover the same key coaching concepts but offer different learning experiences to accommodate your schedule and preferred style of learning. Whether you choose the flexibility of online learning or the interactive engagement of an in-person course, the 7v7 course will help you develop the skills needed to support players at this stage of their soccer journey.
9v9
The 9v9 Grassroots Course is designed for coaches working with players who are progressing toward the full-sided game, introducing more advanced tactical concepts, positional roles, and team strategies. This course helps coaches understand how to structure effective training sessions, develop players’ technical and tactical abilities, and manage game dynamics in a 9v9 format. Emphasis is placed on individual player development within a team setting, ensuring a smooth transition as players prepare for 11v11 competition.
US Learning Center offers the 9v9 course in two formats:
Online course – A self-paced, flexible learning experience that covers key coaching principles through interactive activities, instructional videos, and scenario-based lessons. This option is ideal for coaches who prefer to complete the course on their own schedule while gaining essential knowledge of team shape, attacking and defending principles, and player roles in a 9v9 game.
In-Person course – A hands-on, interactive training session led by licensed instructors featuring both classroom learning and on-field practical application. Coaches will have the opportunity to apply coaching techniques in real-time, receive direct feedback, and engage with fellow coaches in a collaborative learning environment.
Both formats provide a comprehensive understanding of coaching at the 9v9 level, but each caters to different learning preferences. Whether you choose the flexibility of the online course or the interactive experience of in-person training, the 9v9 course will help you develop the skills necessary to guide young players are they progress toward the full-sided game.
11v11
The 11v11 Grassroots Course is designed for coaches working with players who are transitioning to the full-sided game. This course focuses on team organization, tactical decision-making, positional play, and game management in an 11v11 setting. Coaches will learn how to create effective training sessions that emphasize technical skills, player roles, and team strategies, ensuring players are prepared for the demands of the full-sided game.
US Learning Center offers the 11v11 course in two formats:
Online course – A self-paced, interactive course that allows coaches to learn at their convenience. This option covers key coaching principles through videos, activities, and scenario-based lessons, focusing on formation strategies, attacking and defending principles, and player positioning in an 11v11 game. It’s ideal for coaches looking for a flexible learning experience.
In-Person course – A hands-on learning experience led by licensed instructors, combining classroom discussions with on-field practical sessions. Coaches will apply their knowledge in real time, receive direct feedback, and engage in collaborative learning with fellow participants. This format provides an opportunity to experience game-like coaching situations firsthand.
Both formats offer a comprehensive approach to coaching at the 11v11 level, but each is tailored to different learning preferences. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the interactive nature of in-person training, the 11v11 course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently coach a full-sided team.
