FA Level 1 coaching course: what to expect

What happened to the FA Level 1?

The FA replaced the Level 1 in Coaching Football with a new online course, Introduction to Coaching Football. If you hold an old Level 1, it still counts; you don't need to redo it. The old Level 2 has also been replaced, by the UEFA C Licence.

What the course involves

• Online learning modules you work through at your own pace
• Live webinars with experienced coach developers
• Topics like creating a safe, fun and inclusive environment and planning sessions for your players
• A short assessment at the end

It takes around four weeks, and you'll need an FA Number (FAN) to book. Prices and funded places change, so check England Football Learning before booking.

Before and after

Before: the free EE Playmaker course is the usual first step. See our Playmaker guide.

After: the UEFA C Licence, which needs you to be coaching a team. You'll also need safeguarding and first aid courses; your club secretary or county FA can tell you what's required.

Coaching in Scotland? The Scottish FA runs its own coach education pathway. Our coaching badges guide covers both.

Is it worth doing?

For a parent helper or new volunteer coach, yes: it gives you a framework, ideas you can use straight away and confidence with players and parents. Most leagues and clubs also expect coaches to hold, or be working towards, a qualification. Use our session planner to put what you learn into practice.

Drills to work on it

4v1 rondo5 (or groups of 5) players · U8 to adult · 10 to 15 mins3v3 end-zone game6 per pitch players · U7 to U13 · Games of 3 to 4 mins