by slim shady » Thu Oct 19 2006, 12:18
Right here goes.....
The best place to start is the FA.com Read up on the courses and you can view the course calendar which tells you which FA is putting on what course and when. You will then need to contact the Sussex FA or visit their website as it is up to them to implement the course. Henry Millington or Julie Tobin at Sussex.
Level 1.
I skipped the Level 1 course as I had been involved in Senior level football for a long time. I was also told it's a doddle and not to bother. I would suggest anyone who is starting at the bottom, should go along and do it as it gets you into the basics of how the courses are structured.
UEFA B Licence (Level 2)
The UEFA B Licence is split into 2 parts (Level 2 & 3) - Level 2 is a big jump up from the Level 1 course, and really gets into "The coaching principles" The course focuses on mainly drills and small sided games.
The initial course is 5 1/2 days long starting at 9.00 and going on till 5.00. It's tough going and you need to be fairly fit to do it as you the coaches have to take part in the drills or SSG's. Once you have completed the initial week, you will be given and expected to complete a portfolio of experience. The portfolio is made up of a number of written and practical tasks that have to be undertaken. In addition you also have to complete a coaching log of a minimum of 16 - 20 hours of logged (signed off coaching) The log has to cover a number of topics which are all part of the sylabus. During this time there are also 3-4 support days that you have to attend to gain further instruction and for the assessors to view your portfolio.
Usually 6-9 months after your initial week (and when the assessor thinks you are ready) you will be asked to come forward for your external assessment where you will have to put on 2 x 20 minute sessions that are watched and critiqued by the external assessor.
At the end of the assessment you will be told whether you have passed or failed.
After successfully completing the Level 2 you will be expected to wait a while to gain coaching experience before moving on to the Level 3.
On my course no one who took the course failed.
Level 3
The Level 3 is a bastard. (in my opinion) as it's an even bigger jump up from the Level 2. It follows a similar format of 6 days full time course and 3 - 4 days of support days. The difference is in the amount of portfolio written tasks and the subject matter. Match analysis and such like. The practical topics are all based on Phase of play, 8 v 8 and functional practices.
For the final assessment you have to put on 2 x 25 minute sessions. The catch is that they make you prepare for 4 and then they pick out 2 on the day. The topics you have to do are 1 x phase of play (mandetory) and either an 8 v 8 or functional practice.
For the weeks course, your own football ability has to be much better than for the Level 2. When I completed my final assessment in Jan this year, we had 2 pro's on the course. The assessors also expect you to be able to demonstrate all aspects of what your subject topic is. So you may need to strike a ball 40 yards in doing so.
The fail rate on the Level 3 was very high. Out of the 26 who took the final assessment in Jan, only 5 of us passed.
Only after you have completed and been successfully assessed on both the Level 2 and 3 are you awarded the UEFA B Licence.
Costs:
Level 2 and 3 are much the same approx. £300 per course.
I'm debating whether to start the A Licence as I'm told that is an even greater jump up....
One other thing. I didn't do my Level 3 in Sussex as I get fed up with them keep cancelling the course as they need a minimum of 20 people on the course and there didn't appear to be that many people in Sussex willing to do it...
If anyone needs help or advice, PM me.
Good luck
Steve.
Audere est Facere
