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🏆 FA Level 2 / UEFA C Licence – The Coach’s Evolution



The FA Level 2 in Coaching Football—now rebranded and aligned with the UEFA C Licence—is a major step up from the foundational Level 1 qualification. It’s where theory meets practice, and where a coach transforms from a session facilitator into a true developer of players.


This course challenges coaches to deepen their understanding of the game, refine their practice design, and build a philosophy that drives long-term development.


"Level 1 gives you the tools. Level 2 teaches you how to use them with purpose."

🎯 Course Overview at a Glance


  • 📚 3 core phases: Understanding the Game, Designing Practices, Connecting with Players

  • 💻 Delivered as a blend of online learning and in-person practical workshops

  • 🧠 Supported by FA mentors throughout your journey

  • 🕐 Around 60 hours of guided learning

  • 🧱 Builds directly on the FA Level 1 (Introduction to Coaching Football)


🔍 What You’ll Learn – Key Focus Areas


📖 Understanding the Game in More Depth


This course dives deeper into the game’s principles:


  • In-depth exploration of attacking, defending and transition phases

  • Recognising player behaviours in various tactical moments

  • Understanding positional play and team structure in different formats (5v5 to 11v11)


“To coach the game, you must first see the game.”

🧱 Designing and Delivering Effective Practices


It’s not just what you coach, it’s how you coach it:


  • Practice types: opposed vs unopposed, conditioned games, skill zones

  • Designing sessions to recreate real-game situations

  • Adapting practices for individuals, units, and teams

  • The art of "coaching on the grass" – where delivery, timing, and intervention meet


🧠 Learn to scaffold sessions to challenge and stretch players while maintaining enjoyment.


🗣️ Connecting with and Developing Players


You’ll learn how to shape the player and the person:


  • Managing mixed ability and motivation within your squad

  • Encouraging autonomy and decision-making in young players

  • Building positive relationships and psychological safety

  • Introduction to leadership and emotional intelligence


“Great coaches don’t just deliver sessions. They build belief.”

🔄 In-Game Application & Matchday Coaching


Your ability to read, react, and influence on matchday matters:


  • Developing matchday routines and responsibilities

  • Recognising trends and making in-game adjustments

  • Supporting players through tactical shifts and momentum swings


🎥 Many courses include video analysis elements to sharpen tactical awareness.


🪜 Your Development Journey


The UEFA C Licence isn't an endpoint – it’s a launchpad:


  • Prepare for the UEFA B Licence or bespoke CPD opportunities

  • Reflect on your personal coaching philosophy and style

  • Build a portfolio that includes video, session plans, and observations


🧭 You'll leave the course with a clear action plan for long-term growth.


🧠 Mentor Support and Peer Collaboration


  • 🙌 FA tutors provide personal feedback throughout your journey

  • 💬 Join a community of ambitious coaches to share and discuss ideas


  • 📈 Receive tailored insights to improve session design, communication, and player outcomes

“A coach without reflection is a coach without direction.”

🌍 Why This Qualification Matters


Holding the FA Level 2 / UEFA C Licence positions you as a credible, reflective, and development-minded coach. You’ve demonstrated the ability to:


✅ Plan and deliver advanced sessions

✅ Support the long-term development of individuals

✅ Adapt and problem-solve under pressure

✅ Develop a philosophy with structure and integrity


Whether working with grassroots teams or aspiring professionals, this qualification gives you the technical and tactical depth to truly influence the game.


⚽ Experience You Can Trust

Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. Whether you're local or international, you’ll benefit from a coach who brings grassroots knowledge with global insight.











Maintaining Your Well-Being as a Football Coach




At NexxtGen Football, we believe that when you’re at your best, you’re able to give your best. Balancing the pressures of coaching and everyday life can be tough, but maintaining your well-being is essential for both your mental health and the success of your team.


Why is Maintaining Your Well-Being Important?


Your well-being is how you feel in yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your well-being is balanced, you approach coaching with a positive mindset, which helps you navigate the ups and downs of the sport.


Good well-being doesn’t mean you’re always on top of the world. It means recognising when you’re not at your best and taking action to make positive changes. It allows you to face challenges head-on without letting them affect your mental health.


Looking after your own well-being also sets a strong example for your players. It shows them the importance of self-care and resilience, both on and off the field.


What Can Impact a Coach’s Well-Being?


At every level of football, coaches face pressure and high expectations. This is especially true in grassroots football, where coaches often wear many hats. Balancing your own job, family responsibilities, match day logistics, and player management can be overwhelming.


For grassroots coaches, trying to meet everyone's needs—parents, players, and the club—while staying organised can take a toll on your well-being. It’s important to find ways to manage these pressures to avoid burnout.


Tips for Improving Your Well-Being


Here are some strategies to help you maintain your well-being as a coach:

  • Prioritise your well-being: Take care of yourself first before handling coaching tasks.

  • Get enough rest: Prioritise sleep to ensure you have the energy to coach effectively.

  • Eat well: Fuel your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Live in the moment: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

  • Communicate openly: Talk to others rather than bottling up stress.

  • Make time for yourself: Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or going for a walk, allow yourself downtime.

  • Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with assistants, parents, or even your players.

  • Set realistic goals: Understand what you can achieve in the time you have.

  • Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything has to be flawless.


Understanding Your Well-Being


Being mindful of your well-being means regularly checking in with yourself. How are you feeling today? What’s going well, and what isn’t? When you feel drained, take steps to recharge—whether that’s taking a break or asking for help.


It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. There are always going to be things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.


By prioritising your well-being, you set a powerful example for your players. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—doing so fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe to express their own emotions.


Support for Coaches


As a coach, whether you have formal support networks or not, talking to others is key. Build connections with your peers, fellow coaches, and trusted friends. Starting open, non-judgmental conversations can help relieve stress and help you feel less isolated.





Staying Calm in Challenging Situations


Coaching football comes with many high-pressure moments—whether it’s handling upset parents, managing a tough loss, or facing criticism. Whatever the situation, staying calm is crucial. Here are some ways to stay grounded during stressful situations:


  • Prepare ahead of time: Whether it's your line-up or game plan, being well-prepared helps prevent last-minute stress.

  • Redefine success: Winning isn’t everything. Make sure players, parents, and others understand the team’s wider goals.

  • Have a strategy: Think through how you'll handle tricky scenarios before they happen.

  • Use calming techniques: If you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  • Embrace the ups and downs: Tough moments are part of the journey, but they make the victories even sweeter.


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in the power of positive coaching and the importance of well-being for both coaches and players. By taking care of yourself, you’re creating a healthier, more positive environment for your entire team.

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