17 Apr 2015 04:50:13
I'm not terribly well informed about the coaching side of the game. I understand that you need UEFA badges to rise in the game but, as is the case for many, provisions are made for ex-players and those who have been around football. I wanted to know how somebody might make a move into football who has no previous involvement (except as a fan). I know the costs of the UEFA badges are prohibitive to most average people but, supposing money was no object, how might an average joe progress from being just another bloke/woman on the street to a UEFA accredited coach with the very realistic possibility of finding work within the footballing world?

I only ask this question as I was discussing (very briefly) coaching with a friend in Taiwan. He asked me how coaches come to be coaches and, to my surprise, I couldn't really give him a proper answer - except that people in the game move on to often fill up many of those roles. Any information would be great to get. I've had a look on the FA website and, though they offer preliminary training badges, their fairly low level. Cheers for any insights posters/ed's.

1.) 17 Apr 2015
17 Apr 2015 08:49:22
Seano,

Firstly, I would just say to remember that football is played at all levels, and even if you never go beyond coaching a local team from the smallest city in the world, that no-one has ever heard of, if you can improve and be an inspiration (particularly for young kids) then you are a success and contributing to the beautiful game.

From my experience, which is pretty limited, it's very tough to break into the professional game. I know a few lads who coach at professional clubs, and know a few professional players who are doing badges etc. I'll be blatantly honest and say it's who you know that will heLp you progress up that ladder. A few things I would say are:

1. Find a grassroots club and learn about football and working with people.

2. Attend some local academy sessions and speak to people. Take advice, look at the sessions and listen.

3. Start your coaching badges. Don't be in a rush to get from A to B, but be willing to be patient and learn. The Uefa courses are expensive and often spots get allocated on certain criteria. (In Wales, I tried to book my B license this summer on a week intensive course, but there was strict criteria I didn't meet)

4. Believe in yourself. Believe in yourself as a coach and what you can offer football and people. Study, read articles, and learn to understand people. The best coaches I've worked with are the ones that have empathy, understand the player as a person and someone that you can trust.

Bit of a long winded post, sorry. But the bottom line is, breaking into professional coaching is very difficult, but with hard work and the right attitude, nothing is impossible.

Good luck mate.

2.) 17 Apr 2015
17 Apr 2015 09:16:29
There are some provisional FA badges which you would have to go through first (They should be available in your country). I have done my first two in Northern Ireland but will go to Switzerland to start my Uefa B. From each badge to the next, you have a required amount of hours that need to be logged and a specific duration of time in which you can't apply for the next badge

It is obviously harder to get recognition in the system if you never played professionally but then again there have been plenty of great coaches who did not so that shouldn't be a worry. It's just a case of involving yourself as much as possible and networking with the right people

After you reach a certain level, you can only get invited to participate in the course. As you saw with Zidane at Real, even the top guys can't cut corners.

For more info, check out the League Manager's Association website (LMA) and your local FA website.

3.) 17 Apr 2015
17 Apr 2015 15:22:13
Thanks for the thoughtful replies - i'll take a deeper look at the FA's website and the LMA website and see what other nuggets of information can be garnered. I'm not really considering it myself I was just interested in general terms - if I ever did get some proper coaching qualifications i'd be unlikely to stay in England though, think it would be more interesting giving it a go in another, maybe less exposed (to football) country - though not Taiwan as interest here is so low it'd be wasted sadly.