USABA Launches Blind Soccer Coaching Certification
WHAT?
USABA is launching a Blind Soccer Coaching Certification pathway! As USABA prepares for the 2028 Paralympics in LA, we are building Blind Soccer sites across the country and offering coaching and referee certification programs. The goal is to grow the sport of Blind Soccer by providing training for coaches and referees. Participants will focus on learning the fundamentals of blind soccer and how the game differs from able-bodied soccer. It will also focus on best practices in coaching and how to work with individuals who are blind and visually impaired, as well as a broad overview of classification.
Coaches completing the Level 1 course will:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the sport of Blind Soccer
- Gather information and resources needed to start a blind soccer program including:
- Understand the equipment needed and cost-effective ideas
- How to communicate with blind athletes on and off the pitch
- View skill-based demonstration videos for coaching blind soccer athletes
- Discuss sample coaching plans for teaching offensive and defensive formations and small sided games
- Connect with additional resources to grow your club or team
- Be inspired to include blind athletes in your soccer program
WHO?
- Are you a certified soccer coach?
- Are you an adaptive PE teacher or adaptive sports program leader?
- Do you currently coach a soccer team in your community or at your school?
- Do you want to learn the game of Blind Soccer?
- Do you want to learn the specific nuances of coaching blind athletes?
- Do you want to start a Blind Soccer program in your area?
- If so, this Level 1 Coaching certification is for you!
HOW?
Virtual Level I Blind Soccer Coaching Diploma via USC
In partnership United Soccer Coaches (USC), this is an interactive 90-minute live class where you will learn the differences in the sport, classification, working with the blind community, and how to start a blind soccer program within your club, school, or community.
- The next virtual training is August 14, 2024.
- 11/MT/12 noon CT/1:00 ET
Prior to attending:
Once course is completed and participant wants to be Level 1 certified through USABA:
- Take and pass coaching exam
- USABA annual membership ($50 annually)
- Complete SafeSport training every year (free)
- Pass background check every 2 years ($30 every two years)
- Complete concussion prevention course every 2 years (free through NFHS)
- Agree to USOPC coaching ethics code
- Attend virtual coaching seminars
Are you an adaptive PE teacher or offer adaptive sports programs in your community? Do you want to learn how to start a Blind Soccer club and teach the basic skills of the game?
Two-day, hands-on coaching instruction for adaptive PE teachers who primarily work at state schools for the blind and community adaptive sports program leaders for teaching and coaching fundamentals of the game. Collaborative sessions will discuss best practices for creating local blind soccer teams and programs within your school and community.
Requirements to attend Coaching Summit and maintain Level 1 Certification:
- Take and pass coaching exam
- USABA annual membership ($50 annually)
- Complete SafeSport training every year (free)
- Pass background check every 2 years ($30 every two years)
- Complete concussion prevention course every 2 years (free through NFHS)
- Agree to USOPC coaching ethics code
- Attend virtual coaching seminars
USABA will be launching Level 2 Certification opportunities in 2025!
Have you been coaching Blind Soccer for a few years?
Do you want to grow your Blind Soccer club/team and increase your coaching skills with VI and blind athletes?
The Level 2 Coaching Certificate is for you! Connect with USABA Education Manager Liesl Begnaud, LBegnaud@usaba.org, for more information.