The FA Level 2 in Coaching Football

Course Information:

Minimum Age: 16 

Course Duration: 145 hours (total qualification time) / 73 hours (guided learning)

Course Pre-requisites to registration and certification:

Prior to registration for the qualification, learners are required to:

• be at least 16 years of age
• Have attended The FA Level 1 in Coaching Football course, and hold the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Football qualification

Prior to certification for the qualification, learners are required to:

• hold as a minimum a current FA Emergency Aid Certificate
• hold a current completion certificate for The FA Workshop Safeguarding Children in Football (Alternative arrangements are available for learners under the age of 18 years of age). 

Course aims and objectives:

This nationally recognised qualification, awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications will take the learner on a journey through the core components of the England DNA – How We Coach, How We Play, How We Support and The Future Player, helping them to begin shaping or refining their own coaching philosophy. 

The FA Level 2 in Coaching Football leads to the achievement of the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football qualification. 

In order to understand the coaching of players, coaches need to understand themselves and their players as well as the game itself. This course will support learners along this process both on-course and in their own coaching environment.

The course is underpinned by the ethos of allowing the players to feel included, empowered and to be able to make mistakes. It is about designing relevant game-like practices with plenty of decision-making that enables the players to practice in an environment that’s positive and enjoyable. This course is designed to prepare learners for employment as a football coach with the ability to put these key ideas into practice. As a FA Level 2 football coach, learners will be able to plan, deliver and evaluate a series of linked and progressive football coaching sessions independently.

This course will cover key issues in coaching while putting the players and their learning at the centre of the choices that coaches make. It will help learners to reflect on, realise the impact of, and justify the decisions they make while encouraging a long-term view on player development. The course will examine what effective and great practice looks like in training and competition, right the way through the player’s journey from under 7 to open age, across the various formats of the game, helping coaches to consider the age, ability, maturity and experience of the players in their care.

The course of learning is made up of 20 guided learning, face-to-face workshops covering a range of topics linked to the England DNA, split into three blocks of learning (Block 1 – How We Coach, Block 2 – How We Support and The Future Player, Block 3 – How We Play).

FA Level 2 Learners MUST be currently working with a team and have access to players to practice. Due to the nature of the course, we advise that coaches working with clubs from neighbouring counties (out of county coach) book onto a course with their parent County FA.

Should an 'out of county coach' book onto the course there is a risk that they will not have their in-situ visits, meaning they will not be able to complete the course and qualification.

This course involves practical activity (50% Theory, 50% Practical) and is physically demanding.  Therefore we recommend learners enrolling onto the course, have a good level of fitness.

Learners are required to attend all dates and times associated to the course listed below.  Failure to attend all dates will result in non-qualification.

Course Dates:  

Hertfordshire FA adheres to a strict cancellation policy and by enrolling onto our course you agree to have read and agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.  These can be viewed via our website  Learner Information 

Please be advised all of our courses are delivered using the English language.  To complete the course learners will be required to have a sound understanding of English; both oral and written.

If you are unable to understand or speak the English language you will be required to provide a translator for the duration of the course.  If you are bringing a translator you will be required to let Hertfordshire FA know in advance of the course start date.
All learners are required to wear appropriate sports apparel including correct footwear for the playing surface and shin guards covered by socks.

Equality: FA Education will ensure that it treats people fairly, with respect, providing access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities in an atmosphere free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse. FA Education will seek to provide a service which is appropriate to the needs of an individual and to make reasonable adjustments or provide support, where appropriate, to cater for those needs.

Please note to access this online application, you will need a FAN (FA Number). 

If you have ever been involved in football or taken an FA Qualification, it is highly likely you already have a FAN. If you do not know your FAN or password, or need to create a FAN, please use our FAN FINDER tool by clicking to register/retrieve your details. Please be aware that if you already have a FAN, and create another FAN, this could cause delays in being confirmed on the course and any qualifications being awarded.