I have just re entered the game (always followed the game and played to a decent level but drifted from the game locally until the A-League started) coaching the U8 and this year the U9 team my son plays for. We have had good in house training from the TD of the club on how to conduct training sessions and so forth.

I have done the basic 3 hour grassroots course but due to timing I have yet to do the Junior licence for 8 to 12 year olds. I hope to do this course ASAP.

I am really keen to improve my knowledge and was wondering if you would recommend any other courses or internet resources I could look at doing, I have noted that Coerver have a Youth Diploma for example. Alternatively would you feel the FFA courses would be adequate.

I want to coach only up to Under 12 level at this stage and would like to stay involved at this level even when my son has passed this age group.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

One doctrinaire coach, who I rarely see eye to eye with, and who coaches a national team, has made one profound statement. It surprises me, that in just about the only instance he talks sense, or his actions match his rhetoric, he suggests one will gain something useful from attending any course.

For you I would definitely recommend the FFA Junior Licence or Certificate.

The Coerver one should also be useful.

If you can attend a FFA Skills Acquisition Course, they are simply excellent with the instructor I had. Particularly if you can observe him conduct follow up sessions with his SAP squad.

Thanks for the feedback Decentric. Are you also aware if it is compulsory to do a FFA course before you can coach at this level (Under 12)?

No you dont have to be accredited at amateur level.

Thanks for the reply. I also understand the community side of coaching accreditation is (maybe) heading towards a certificate type program, without assessments. The current structure I understand is for a Junior Licence for 8 to 12 year olds which involves an assessment part.

Is this still in process or has it been implemented? I noted that junior licence courses are being offered at the moment.

The assessments usually involve the aspiring coach performing a 5-10 minute drill in front of the assessor, you basically cant fail the assessment. I believe it is used more to allow the assessor to help you out where he sees you might be struggling or in need of help.

tjwhalan, thanks for your reply again greatly appreciated. Looking forward to doing the course.