The English Football Association (FA) runs one of the best-known coaching pathways in the world. It changed a lot in 2021 and 2022, so many guides you will find online still talk about “FA Level 1” and “FA Level 2” courses that no longer exist. This page explains the current FA coaching pathway, what each course covers, who it is for, and how the old levels map to the new ones.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Course content, entry requirements and fees change, so always confirm the latest details with The FA or your County FA before you book.
The FA coaching pathway at a glance
| Course | Minimum age | Who it’s for | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playmaker | 14+ | Anyone new to helping out with football | Short, free online course |
| Introduction to Coaching Football | 16+ | New grassroots coaches and parent coaches | About 4 weeks online, with live webinars |
| UEFA C Licence | 16+ | Grassroots and youth team coaches | Blended: online learning, mentoring and on-the-pitch delivery |
| UEFA B Licence | 18+ | Coaches of higher-level youth and adult amateur teams | Blended, typically 9 to 12 months |
| UEFA A Licence | 18+ | Coaches working in academies, semi-professional and professional football | Mostly face-to-face, by application |
| UEFA Pro Licence | 18+ | Head coaches and managers in top-level professional football | Face-to-face, by application |
What happened to FA Level 1 and FA Level 2?
FA Education took over the coaching courses in 2021 and replaced the old levels:
- FA Level 1 was replaced by Introduction to Coaching Football (2021).
- FA Level 2 was replaced by the UEFA C Licence (2022).
If you hold the old Level 1 or Level 2, those qualifications still show your past learning. Check with your County FA about how they count toward the next step on the current pathway.
1. Playmaker
Playmaker is a free, short online course and the easiest way to start. It is aimed at volunteers, parents and young leaders who want to help with football sessions. It covers the basics of keeping sessions safe, fun and inclusive. It is not a coaching licence, but it is a good first step.
2. Introduction to Coaching Football
This is the entry-level coaching course for new grassroots coaches. It is delivered online over about four weeks, with e-learning, weekly webinars and community support. Coaches learn how to plan and run simple, enjoyable sessions, how children learn, and how to create a positive environment. It is the course that replaced FA Level 1.
3. UEFA C Licence
The UEFA C Licence replaced FA Level 2 and is the first UEFA-recognised qualification on the pathway. It blends online learning with mentoring and practical coaching with your own team, with a minimum of around 60 hours of learning. Coaches work on session design, player development, and coaching in the game. It suits coaches who want to go beyond the basics with grassroots and youth teams.
4. UEFA B Licence
The UEFA B Licence is for experienced coaches working with higher-level youth teams or adult amateur teams. It typically takes 9 to 12 months and goes deeper into team organisation, playing style, player analysis and planning across a season. Holders can coach amateur clubs and youth teams, and work as assistant coaches in the professional game.
5. UEFA A Licence
The UEFA A Licence is an advanced qualification for coaches in academies, semi-professional and professional football. Entry is by application and needs significant experience. The FA also offers specialist youth routes, such as the Advanced Youth Award, for coaches working with elite young players in professional academies.
6. UEFA Pro Licence
The UEFA Pro Licence is the highest coaching qualification in European football. It is required to manage at the top level of the professional game, including in UEFA club competitions. It takes around 18 months and focuses on leadership, management and performance at the elite level.
Which FA course should I start with?
- Brand new and helping out? Start with Playmaker.
- Coaching your own grassroots or youth team? Take Introduction to Coaching Football, then the UEFA C Licence.
- Coaching higher-level youth or adult amateur teams? Work toward the UEFA B Licence.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UEFA C Licence the same as FA Level 2?
It replaced FA Level 2 in 2022, so it is the current equivalent step, but the course content and format are new.
Can I coach in the USA with an FA licence?
FA and UEFA licences are widely respected, but US clubs and leagues set their own requirements. See our guide to U.S. Soccer coaching licenses to compare.
How much do FA courses cost?
Playmaker is free. Fees for the other courses vary by course and County FA and change over time, so check the latest prices with The FA before booking.
Add a skills-teaching method to your licence
Federation licences teach you how to coach. Many coaches also want a proven method for teaching individual skills. Coerver Coaching’s Youth Diploma 1 focuses on session planning with the Coerver method for coaches of players aged 8 to 16, and Youth Diploma 2 covers Coerver’s approach to team play. Both are available online and work alongside any FA or UEFA licence.
Become a Coerver-trained coach.
Coerver Coaching’s online Youth Diploma courses give you a proven method for teaching skills. Youth Diploma 1 covers session planning for players aged 8 to 16. Youth Diploma 2 covers team play.