38 Participants Engage in Grassroots Soccer Coach Education Licensing Pathway

Girls Soccer team (Submitted photo)

The U.S. Virgin Island Soccer Association (USVISA) is committed to the development and education of coaches at all levels of our pathway. The objective of the coaching education licensing pathway is to provide coaches with the necessary support, guidance and resources to meet their unique needs within their environment.

USVISA hosted training courses on St. Thomas and St. Croix Sept, 21-22, where 38 participants started the journey in pursuit of their Level One – Grassroots Coach License. The USVISA’s push to encourage more females to be involved with soccer is paying off; 20 of the coaches in training are women.

Coach Development Programs

The soccer association’s Coach Education and Development program is designed to support the needs of coaches at all levels of the game. The goal of the coaching education department is to offer a mixture of formal/informal and in-person/online educational experiences (i.e., courses, workshops and mentoring) that provide coaches with the knowledge and skills to maximize the development process of the players. These programs are designed to engage coaches on their own individual development journey by meeting their needs and supporting them with the tools to achieve their coaching potential.

Female Coach Development

Sport plays an important role in supporting the development of young girls and successful female leaders. One of the strategic initiatives within the coaching department is to identify, support, grow and develop female coaches at all levels of the game. This first all-female coaching course is an exciting first step in the implementation of this initiative. USVISA’s plan is to continue to provide formal and informal educational experiences to elevate female coaches from grassroots to national teams across the country.

Technical Department Strategic Objectives

The association is excited about the implementation of its new coaching education pathway as part of its overall strategic objectives. The coach licensing pathway, coach development programs, and coach education initiatives are all important parts of achieving overarching strategic objectives as a technical department to grow the game.

For more information on USVI Soccer Association programs, contact the USVI Soccer Association office at 719-9707 or email usvisoccer@gmail.com. Follow USVISA on Facebook at USVI Soccer Association.