Course Developed by U.S. MNT Strength & Conditioning Coach Pierre Barrieu;
Debuts With Inaugural Session on January 13 at The Home Depot Center

CHICAGO, Ill. (October 25, 2005) - As part of U.S. Soccer’s goal to increase educational opportunities available for coaches, U.S. Soccer is introducing the Fitness Level 1 License.  This three-day residential course focuses on educating and training coaches in the skills and practices required to deliver a safe and effective soccer specific fitness program for teams and individuals of all ages, with an emphasis on youth soccer players.

The new course has been developed by U.S. Men's National Team Strength and Conditioning Coach Pierre Barrieu and will instruct coaches on how to plan and deliver conditional programs to suit individuals and teams of all ages. The program also seeks to reach coaches interested in improving the fitness programs of their teams at all levels.

The inaugural session of the Fitness Level 1 License course will debut from January 13-15, 2006, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

"With the increased emphasis on fitness over the last 20 years, this course fills a gap in the coaching curriculum," said Barrieu. "It is important that coaches learn the fundamentals of modern fitness training, and understand how to integrate fitness into their tactical training while developing a long-term plan. This license will be a valuable tool for any coach who aspires to reach the highest levels."

The U.S. Soccer Fitness Level 1 License was developed for coaches interested in specializing or simply improving their soccer fitness training knowledge.  Coaches will further their understanding of the physical, physiological and nutritional needs and demands of soccer in relation to a player’s daily lifestyle, training and requirements for competitive games. The course also includes valuable instruction in identifying individual player’s physical strengths and weaknesses

Designed as a complement to the U.S. Soccer “A” and “B” License courses, the three-day school includes field and classroom sessions and concludes with testing on theoretical applications of fitness training programs and nutritional plans.  

Applicants must hold the following prerequisites to apply:

1. Minimum of US Soccer National “B” License or,
2. A Sports Science Degree or,
3. Relevant degree, qualification and/or experience in subjects as approved by U.S. Soccer.

Upon successful completion, "A" License coaches will receive 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attendance at the three-day course. Limited space is available for this inaugural course.  

Coaches may apply directly online at ussoccer.com. For more information, please contact the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at (312) 528-1219 or coaches@ussoccer.org.

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