Course Pre-Requisites:
Learners must have the following:
- Have completed The FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football Qualification.
Learners are required to complete an online application form and submit the following documents in ONE email to education@thefa.com and use the subject header "YOUR NAME - UEFA A Application Supporting Documents" within the application window:
1. Coaching CV
2. Evidence of achievement at UEFA B (certificate, UEFA B action plan optional)
3. A letter of recommendation from appropriate club personal (this could include, WHPFC CDO, the PFA, Academy Manager, Head of Coaching, General Manager, CEO of club, first team manager, Chairman etc.)
4. Where appropriate, provide their Individual Coach Development Plan
Any additional documents thought suitable are welcome.
If we do not receive these documents by the application deadline on Monday 4 January 2021 @ 6pm applications will not be considered.
Please be aware we will be contacting your Academy Manager or Head of Coaching to verify your role at the club and the details contained in your application.
Priority will be give to (Male Game):
1. Those currently working within the senior Professional Game in England as part of the Premier League & English Football League
2. Those who need the qualification in order to meet Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) regulations with those working with 11v11 given priority
3. Full-time staff to be considered before part-time staff
As well as this, where possible coaches working in the below areas who don't necessarily need the qualification in terms of requirements, but have been identified in terms of future development will be considered:
- Full-time coaches working in The National League and outside of the professional game with priority from step one to step seven.
- Coaches who are currently working and living in England
Priority will be give to (Women's Game):
1. Those who need the qualification as part of the FA Women's Super League regulations
2. Those who need the qualification as part of the FA Women's Championship League regulations
3. Those who work within and need the qualification as part of the FA Female Talent Pathway requirements.
As well as this, where possible coaches working in the below areas who don't necessarily need the qualification in terms of requirements, but have been identified in terms of future development will be considered:
- Coaches working with FA Women's Super League, Championship & WSL Academy teams
- Coaches working with FA Women's National League teams
- Coaches working within the FA Female Talent Pathway
Course Content:
The following aspects will be included in the course curriculum:
- Strategies and tactics
- Modern trends in the game
- Position specific coaching
Taking into consideration:
- In possession phases
- Out of possession phases
- Transitional phases
- England DNA principles
Course Assessment:
The course will run over six blocks of two days (12 in total) with a minimum of three in-situ support days, but ideally an in-situ support day between each block of work. The blocks will be approximately 4-6 weeks apart , to allow for the in-situ support day to take place. The learner will be assessed against a competency framework at Level 4 on an on-going basis until the learner is deemed competent by their FA Support staff. Learners, if not already, will need to gain access to 11 v 11 at some point during the course.
PLEASE NOTE - ATTENDANCE ON ALL 12 DAYS OF THE COURSE ARE MANDATORY. IF FOR ANY REASON A LEARNER IS ABSENT FROM OF ANY OF THE COURSE DAYS THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE TIME BACK ON A DIFFERENT COURSE, SUBJECT TO THIS BEING AGREED BY THE COURSE LEAD. IT IS THE LEARNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE THEIR OWN ACCOMMODATION, AS THIS WILL NOT BE COVERED ON ANY OF THE DAYS THAT THE LEARNER HAS TO MAKE UP.
Coaching Bursary
The FA Coaching Bursary is a funding initiative set up to support our aim of increasing diversity among UEFA A Licence qualified coaches in England. If you are a female coach and/or a coach from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background (BAME) and would like to apply for the bursary, the application link will be found in the confirmation email you received once you have completed the A Licence course application below. The bursary is open to anyone who meets the diversity criteria and may be your next step towards a new chapter in your coach education journey. Please note the bursary application will close on the Monday 4 January 2021 at 18:00 and your application will only be considered if you have completed both the UEFA A and Bursary applications together.
Medical information / Physical Requirements
If you have any medical conditions which limit/hinder your involvement or participation in coaching activities, you are obliged to declare any relevant, current or previous injuries/illnesses. If you are diagnosed as an asthmatic, diabetic or epileptic, or have any allergies that the course staff needs to be aware of, you must advise us accordingly. Please note, a declaration of injury or illness does not automatically preclude you from any course.
You should further be aware that if you are on a regular course of medication for any condition, you must have sufficient medication to cover you throughout the course. Although first aid cover is provided (where applicable) during courses, no doctor is available to replenish regular medication, nor is there any facility to deliver medical treatment for chronic (longstanding) medical conditions.
Please provide any relevant information regarding the above Medical Information during the application process.
If your application to enrol is successful learners will be required to complete a Medical Form prior to commencing the course.
