Coach Training & Certifications
Preparing to coach includes developing your knowledge, completing the appropriate training, and understanding your responsibilities to players.
Use the guide below to explore coaching education and supporting resources. The qualifications required for an assignment depend on the age group, competition, and whether you are a head coach or assistant coach. Confirm your requirements with North York Hearts before registering for courses.
Grassroots Coach Education
| Stage | Purpose | Coaching Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Active Start | Introduce movement and soccer through play. | Focus on enjoyable activities and positive first experiences. |
| FUNdamentals | Develop movement skills and basic soccer skills. | Encourage confidence, creativity, and participation. |
| Learn to Train | Build technical skills and understanding of the game. | Use purposeful activities and game situations to support learning. |
| Soccer for Life | Support continued participation and development. | Adapt coaching to players’ goals, experience, and level of play. |
Explore Grassroots Coach Education
Development and Competitive Coaching
Head coaches and assistant coaches may have different qualification requirements. Additional diplomas or licences can apply depending on the competition.
Before accepting an assignment, confirm:
- The coaching qualification required for the team.
- Any additional courses or evaluations.
- Screening and registration requirements.
- Completion deadlines and any renewal requirements.
View Ontario Soccer Coaching Courses
Supporting Training and Screening
The following topics may form part of your coaching preparation. This directory is a resource guide; the applicable requirements must be confirmed for your role.
| Training or Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Respect in Sport | Support respectful behaviour and positive participant experiences. |
| Make Ethical Decisions | Develop an approach to ethical decisions in coaching. |
| Making Head Way | Develop concussion awareness. |
| Emergency Action Plan | Prepare for an organized response to an emergency. |
| Understanding the Rule of Two | Understand appropriate supervision and coaching interactions. |
| Safe Sport | Recognize and address maltreatment in sport. |
| Laws of the Game | Strengthen understanding of soccer rules and their application. |
| First Aid | Develop practical emergency-response skills. |
| Accessibility Training | Support accessible and inclusive participant experiences. |
| Screening | Complete the checks and documentation applicable to the role. |
Training Resources
| Resource | Course Information |
|---|---|
| Grassroots Coach Education | Canada Soccer |
| Coaching Courses and Pathways | Ontario Soccer |
| Respect in Sport | Activity Leader Training |
| Make Ethical Decisions | Coaches Association of Ontario |
| Making Head Way | Coaching Association of Canada |
| Emergency Action Plan | Coaching Association of Canada |
| Understanding the Rule of Two | Coaching Association of Canada |
| Safe Sport Training | Coaching Association of Canada |
| Accessibility Training | AccessForward |
| First Aid Training | St. John Ambulance |
For screening instructions, contact North York Hearts before requesting or submitting documents.
Express Interest in Coaching
Interested in coaching or unsure where to begin? Email us with a brief introduction, your preferred coaching role, relevant experience or qualifications, and general availability.