FA Coaching Badges — A Complete Guide
Whether you're a parent helping out at your child's club or aiming for a career in professional management, FA coaching badges are the pathway.
Why Get a Coaching Badge?
Coaching badges ensure coaches understand safeguarding, player development and session planning. Most leagues require at least a Level 1 qualification, and many County FAs now mandate a DBS check and emergency first aid certificate.
- Insurance & safety — qualified coaches are covered by FA insurance
- League requirements — most structured leagues require Level 1 minimum
- Player development — better-coached teams produce better players
- Career progression — badges open doors to academy and professional roles
- Safeguarding — FA courses include child protection and welfare modules
Coaching Badge Levels
Introduction to Coaching Football
The starting point for coaching football. Covers basic session planning, safety, and how to create a positive environment. No previous experience needed.
Best for: Parents, volunteers, anyone new to coaching
FA Level 1 in Coaching Football (UEFA C)
The first formal qualification. Covers planning sessions, small-sided games, skill development and basic tactics. DBS check required.
Best for: Grassroots coaches, Sunday league managers, youth team coaches
FA Level 2 in Coaching Football (UEFA B)
Focuses on developing players across technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects. Includes in-situ coaching assessments and a portfolio.
Best for: Semi-professional coaches, academy coaches, serious grassroots coaches
UEFA A Licence
Elite-level coaching qualification covering advanced tactics, performance analysis, leadership, and management. Selection-based entry.
Best for: Professional club coaches, National League managers, academy leads
UEFA Pro Licence
The highest coaching qualification in football. Required to manage in the Premier League and EFL. Strictly limited places.
Best for: Professional managers and head coaches at the highest level
Specialist Coaching Courses
Beyond the core pathway, the FA offers specialist courses:
- FA Goalkeeping Level 1 & 2 — specialist goalkeeper coaching
- FA Futsal Level 1 & 2 — coaching qualifications for futsal
- FA Youth Award Modules — age-specific coaching for U7 through U16
- FA Disability Football — coaching disabled players including blind, deaf, CP and powerchair football
- FA Emergency First Aid — mandatory 3-hour course for all grassroots coaches
- FA Safeguarding Children — required workshop on child protection (renewed every 3 years)
How to Book a Course
- Register for a FAN (FA Number) on the FA website — your coaching ID
- Find your local County FA — they run most grassroots courses
- Browse available courses on the FA Learning platform
- Complete your DBS check through the FA CRB process
- Book and attend — most Level 1 courses have open enrolment