If you are interested in sports and nurturing talent, and you absolutely love the beautiful game, a career as a football coach can be very, very rewarding. However, as with any career, there are a few things you might need to start out on your journey, whether that’s qualifications, experience or skills.
Coaching football is great if you’re looking for flexibility and meaning in your working life. The average salary you could expect ranges from £18,000 to £28,000 at the low end (it might take a while to command the wages of Jose Mourinho!) and the weekly hours vary. However, the real return on investment is the positive impact you can have on the lives of others.
If you’re researching how to become a football coach, you’ve come to the right place. Detailed below is everything you need to know about qualifications, experience, and the benefits of coaching.
What is a football coach?
A football coach is someone who trains a team of football players, setting out instructions that ultimately aim to help the team play better and win. Football coaches can be found working at every level in the game, from juniors right up to seniors, whether that’s professional, semi-professional or amateur.
What does a football coach do?
Depending on the level that the coach is operating at, the duties may vary but, in a nutshell, a football coach is responsible for training players in the basics of the game. This is done through practice, training, and feedback sessions.
Football coaches might also create strategies for gameplay, schedule and conduct meetings with the team and staff, motivate their players and make decisions during games.
Although some coaches have a more general role, at the very highest level of the game some football coaches are so specific that they focus on one particular area, such as goalkeeping or set pieces.
For example, after Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to the Premier League, Manchester United hired Eric Ramsay for one very specific reason. In the 2020/21 season, Manchester United conceded numerous goals from set-pieces and they scored very few at the other end of the pitch.
The coaching staff knew they had to do something to address this.
Eric Ramsay’s job was to work on defensive and offensive set-pieces. His brief was to make United better organised defensively and a more potent attacking threat on freekicks and corners.
Other coaches might specialise in warm-ups, penalties, goalkeeping, defensive shape, counter-attacking, or any other element of the game that requires specific focus by a professional with a particular skill in that area.
But perhaps the most talked-about football coach is the head coach, who we often call the manager. Though the coaching staff of a football team can consist of many people, it is often the manager that we associate with the overall play, setting the direction, tone and style of the team.
What skills do you need to be a football coach?
Working as a football coach requires a variety of skills that take time and energy to develop. Just like any other profession, soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge or a coaching qualification.
A football coach is a leader, no matter the age group they’re coaching. That means you need to develop your communication and leadership skills to make the dynamic work.
One way to get some of that experience before your first official coaching job is through volunteering. See if there are local recreational leagues or children’s leagues in your community. Are any of the coaches looking for a volunteer assistant?
In addition to the leadership experience, you’ll need a thorough understanding of the game of football itself. Have you played football and learned what it takes to succeed in the game?
You’ll also need basic time management and organisational skills, too. It’s never a good look to show up late to your own practices, so make sure you’re punctual.
This position will likely include nights and weekends, no matter what level you’re coaching at. Be prepared to sacrifice a night out at the pub to ensure your team is well-trained and ready to win.
What qualifications do football coaches need?
There are many paths to becoming a qualified football coach. Most coaches go through a relevant course in sports studies, through their local football team, or by participating in coaching badges and certificates with well-known footballing organisations.
For example, students at BCE can benefit from a course in Sports Studies, or an extended diploma in Sport alongside local football club Walthamstow FC and its qualified coaches.
But if you’re partway along your journey, don’t worry – the field you study isn’t as relevant as other training.
Professional coaches have been hired with qualifications in IT, marketing, or other seemingly unrelated fields. There are other educational necessities outside of those qualifications that potential football coaches should pursue.
One of those courses revolves around providing first aid. The FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) teaches future coaches about basic medical care in the case of injuries. There are also other educational courses for you to get a better understanding before you land any coaching jobs.
In addition, different age groups require different knowledge bases. The more professional the team is that you intend to coach, the more advanced qualifications and experience you should expect to need.
There are also numerous UEFA or FA related coaching courses that you could undertake.
Continue investing in your coaching career
You don’t have to stick with the bare minimum when it comes to your football coaching training. Numerous facets could enhance your coaching career and develop your coaching style.
For example, perhaps you invest in psychology education to find the best empowerment tools for your team. Maybe you want to study nutrition to better advise your athletes.
Don’t be afraid to take your passion for coaching to yet another level to become a successful football coach. Then, you’ll be able to start checking out available job options.
In addition to education, remember to continue your networking endeavours within the industry. Be willing to attend coaching conferences and other events to shake hands and pass out business cards. You never know what connections could lead to an amazing career in coaching.
And don’t forget, when you’re a leader in any kind of organisation, you will have people who look up to you in your role. In essence, you’ll inevitably become someone’s role model – no matter their age.
Take this responsibility to heart, and be willing to invest in more than just the athletic lives of your team. Know that their personal lives are always at play. A well-rounded coach is aware of these other factors and engages their athletes to ensure they have a sound mind and a healthy outlook on life.
In other words, you have the chance to make a long-lasting impact on every athlete on your team. Boosting their self-confidence and winning attitude is one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a qualified football coach.
Get started on your football coaching career today
At this point, you should have a thorough understanding of how to become a football coach. You’re prepared to get educated, stay educated, and be a great role model for your athletes.
There are plenty of educational programs to inspire you, and we’re here to help. Get started by taking a look at BCE’s Sports Studies courses.
