What do they do?

Do you have a love for football, and want to help others develop the same feeling? Think you can teach others how to play, and play well?

Well, in addition to having a love of the game, and being able to help others learn it, a coach has other responsibilities.

The role of a football coach has many sides to it. One is to improve the performance of both the players, and the team, both physically and psychologically.

To the players, a coach is more than just a teacher; s/he is their parent, their counselor.

A coach organises practice and schedules training routines. S/he disciplines the team, creates and explains strategies to them, motivates them to play at their best.

A coach ensures that each player becomes the best that they can be.

Skills Needed

●       Ability to motivate others

●       Experience in playing football

●       Good communications skills

●       Ability to guide and help players

●       Be able to discipline the players

How do I get there?

There are four levels of instructors in India, starting with a ‘D Licence’.

The criteria for applying for the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) D Licence course are-

• The applicant must have playing experience and knowledge of the game.
• The applicant must have a medical certificate from an MBBS doctor stating that they are physically fit to participate in the practical sessions.
• Applicants must understand and be able to read and write in English.
• Participants will have to bear all costs involved with coaching.

A ‘D’ Licence Coach may coach college and school teams, up to District and Inter-city Championships.

The second level is that of a ‘C’ licence.

The criteria to apply for the C licence course under the AIFF are:

• Applicants must have experience playing at the International Level, or should be D Licence holders
• The remaining criteria are the same as that for the D licence.

The third level is the ‘B’ Licence

The criteria to apply for the course under the AIFF are:

• Applicants must have a ‘C’ licence.
• Applicants must have coaching experience of 2 years.
• They must have a minimum of 60 coaching hours logged.

The fourth and final level is the ‘A’ Licence.

The criteria to apply for the course under the AIFF are:

The applicant must have both their ‘B’ and ‘C’ Licence.

• The applicant must have coaching experience of 1 year.
• They must have a minimum of 80 coaching hours logged.

Pros & Cons about this career