CHICAGO (October 20, 2008) – The U.S. Soccer Coaching Department announced the dates and locations for the 2009 U.S. Soccer Winter National Coaches Schools. The first courses of 2009 have been scheduled for the first week of January; giving every coach a chance to obtain a FIFA recognized “A”, “B” or “C” level license and to increase their knowledge of the game.

IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., will host a National “B” and “C” License Course from Jan. 3-11. In Tampa, Fla., the University of Tampa will host a National “A” License Course from Jan. 3-11 and The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., will host a National “A-Audit” Course from Jan. 3-9 and a National “A” License Course from Jan. 3-11. There will also be a National “B” and “C” License Course held from Jan. 3-11 at a West Coast location yet to be determined.

• 2009 Winter Courses Application (pdf.)

U.S. Soccer’s National Coaching Schools have been providing high-quality coaching instruction for over 38 years, and this winter coaches have a chance to take their coaching education to a new level. Participants at U.S. Soccer’s popular National Coaching Schools will have a chance to learn from some of the nation’s top-level instructors, including current and former National Team, MLS, and international coaches.

National Coaching License courses are comprised of daily field and classroom sessions, as well as field and written exams to test each coach’s levels with the best in the country (learn more here).

Coaches should also be sure the keep their membership current in order to receive the latest news and benefits. Available through ussoccer.com, CoachesNet is devoted to educating its members on U.S. National Team coaching tactics by breaking down games at the highest level, analyzing training sessions and tactics and delving into the keys to preparation (sign up now).

As always, space is limited for all National Coaching License courses. Registration is underway and coaches are encouraged to apply early to ensure a place in the course. More information on the National Coaching Schools is available at ussoccer.com.

Also as part of the U.S. Soccer’s Coaching Department dedication to providing unique coaching opportunities to its members, CoachesNet is offering an educational trip from March 10-16, 2009, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. For six days and five nights, participating coaches will have the opportunity to interact with members of professional coaching staffs from Argentine clubs and youth national teams, attend two first division games, analyze professional training sessions and visit some of the most well-known stadiums and landmarks in the city. Registration also includes round-trip airfare from Miami International Airport, meals and four-star accommodations. More information is available in the Coaching Education section of ussoccer.com.

Available National Coaching School Courses

School	Date	Location
National “A-Audit” Course*	January 3-9, 2009	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
National “A” License Course	January 3-11, 2009	University of Tampa (Tampa, Fla.)
National “A-Audit” Course*	January 3-9, 2009	The Home Depot Center (Carson, Calif.)
National “A” License Course	January 3-11, 2009	The Home Depot Center (Carson, Calif.)
National “B” & “C” License Course	January 3-11, 2009	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
National “B” & “C” License Course	January 3-11, 2009	West TBA – Applications being accepted.
Argentina Educational Trip	March 10-16, 2009	Buenos Aires, Argentina (application)

* Audit course separate from “A” License Course.