Ep 367: US Coaching Licenses – Another Credentialism Scam or Education?

Debate on the Value of US Soccer Coaching Licenses with Rory O’Neill

In this episode, we discuss the intricacies and controversies of soccer coaching licenses in the U.S. We go into our personal experiences, comparing U.S. and UEFA coaching licenses, and discuss the impact of licensing on both youth and professional coaching.

We highlight the high costs, stringent requirements, and the gatekeeping nature of coaching licenses, while also contemplating the potential for a more meritocratic approach. We touch on the practical aspects of coaching, differences in educational content between U.S. and UEFA licenses, sideline coaching philosophies, and the broader implications for American soccer’s growth and competitiveness.

00:00 Intro

07:51 Rory’s Background

09:05 Licensing – Matters of Safety or Public Interest

18:40 On Restricting the Supply of Licenses Granted

28:52 On Meritocracy and the Cost and Length of the Different Licenses

32:58 What is the Actual Value of US Soccer Licenses?

38:06 Do USSF Instructors Actually Have the Expertise to be Instructors?

47:22 Is Coaching Quality Correlated with License Level (Pro/Rel Talk)?

56:45 Mexico as a Case Study in No Longer Having Pro/Rel

01:00:21 World Cup Home Team Advantage (The US in 2026)

01:02:09 Sub: USMNT and the Pro Connection to the American Youth System

01:09:49 Going for the B License

01:14:57 The Changing Educational Landscape (Academia and Beyond)

01:19:24 The Impact of USL Getting Divison 1 Status and Pro/Rel

01:23:21 Final Thougths/Advice on Licensing

01:24:16 Sub: On Rondos at USSF and Not Addressing Practical Everyday Youth Coaching Issues

01:26:12 Sub: On Passion/Empathy Not Being Teachable

01:26:55 Sub: USSF Opinion On Sideline Coaching

01:29:57 Sub: On “Joysticking”

01:35:23 Sub: Did the UEFA Instructors Mention Anything About Match-day Coaching?

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