The UEFA coaching pathway is one of the most structured development programmes in sport. Each qualification builds on the last, taking you from complete beginner to elite professional coach through a clear progression of knowledge, skills, and practical experience.
Understanding this pathway is essential for planning your coaching career. Here’s exactly how it works, what each stage requires, and how long the journey realistically takes.
Your entry point into coaching
This online course is where everyone begins. You’ll learn the fundamentals of creating safe, enjoyable football environments and get your first taste of the England DNA philosophy. No previous experience required.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 weeks |
| Cost | £160 (FREE with Chase funding) |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Includes | Safeguarding Children + First Aid certifications |
| Outcome | Qualifies you for {UEFA C Licence} |
Your foundation coaching qualification
The {UEFA C Licence} is your first recognised credential. You’ll develop skills across four pillars—Grassroots Coach, Environment, Player, and Game—learning to create positive developmental experiences for players of all ages and abilities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 16-20 weeks |
| Cost | £650 (from £95 with funding) |
| Prerequisites | Introduction to Coaching Football |
| Requirements | Actively coaching a team |
| Outcome | Coach grassroots football, qualifies for {UEFA B Licence} |
Minimum wait before next level: 12 months coaching experience
Your gateway to professional coaching
The {UEFA B Licence} is the critical transition point. This comprehensive qualification develops your ability to work between grassroots and elite levels, covering advanced session design, player profiling, physical development, and match analysis. It’s the minimum requirement for academy coaching.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6-12 months |
| Cost | £1,200 (from £180 with funding) |
| Prerequisites | UEFA C Licence held 12+ months |
| Requirements | Coaching players aged 12+ in competition |
| Outcome | Academy roles, semi-pro coaching, qualifies for {UEFA A Licence} |
Minimum wait before next level: 12 months coaching experience
Elite practical coaching
The {UEFA A Licence} is the highest practical coaching qualification. Delivered residentially at St George’s Park, this elite programme prepares you to develop players at the top level of 11v11 football. You’ll master advanced tactics, systems of play, and the England DNA principles.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months |
| Cost | £3,645 |
| Prerequisites | UEFA B Licence held 12+ months |
| Requirements | Working in professional game or elite youth |
| Outcome | Elite coaching roles, qualifies for {UEFA Pro Licence} |
Minimum wait before next level: 12 months in role
The pinnacle of coaching qualifications
The {UEFA Pro Licence} is mandatory for managing in the Premier League, Champions League, and all top-tier European leagues. This 18-month programme develops leadership, management, and strategic skills beyond practical coaching.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months |
| Cost | £9,890 – £13,700 |
| Prerequisites | UEFA A Licence held 12+ months |
| Requirements | Full-time position in professional game |
| Outcome | First team management, technical director roles |
Your entry point into coaching
This online course is where everyone begins. You’ll learn the fundamentals of creating safe, enjoyable football environments and get your first taste of the England DNA philosophy. No previous experience required.
Minimum pathway (unlikely for most):
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Coaching | 1 month |
| UEFA C Licence | 5 months |
| Experience gap | 12 months |
| UEFA B Licence | 12 months |
| Experience gap | 12 months |
| UEFA A Licence | 12 months |
| Experience gap | 12 months |
| UEFA Pro Licence | 18 months |
| Total minimum | ~7 years |
Realistic pathway (most coaches):
Most coaches take 8-12 years from beginner to Pro Licence. Life happens—jobs change, family commitments shift, opportunities arise at different times. The pathway rewards patience and genuine experience over rushing through qualifications.
You don’t need to reach Pro Licence to have a successful coaching career. Many fulfilling roles require only C or B Licence. Progress at a pace that matches your goals and circumstances.
Complete beginner? Start with Introduction to Coaching Football. No experience needed, fully online, and it qualifies you for everything that follows.
Already volunteering at a club? If you have Introduction to Coaching or FA Level 1, you’re ready for the {UEFA C Licence}. Check you can commit to the face-to-face days and have a team to coach.
Hold an older FA qualification? FA Level 2 is equivalent to UEFA C Licence. FA Level 3 is equivalent to UEFA B Licence. You can progress directly to the next level without repeating.
Experienced coach without qualifications? You still need to start at Introduction to Coaching. The pathway doesn’t have shortcuts based on experience alone—but your experience will help you progress quickly.
Former professional player? Long-serving professionals (7+ years in top division) may have accelerated entry to UEFA B Licence. Contact the relevant FA for eligibility assessment.
| Qualification | What You Can Coach |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Coaching | Volunteer support roles |
| {UEFA C Licence} | Grassroots youth and adult teams, schools, community programmes |
| {UEFA B Licence} | Academy football, semi-pro clubs, youth teams to U16, assistant roles |
| {UEFA A Licence} | Youth teams to U18, reserve teams, professional second-tier, elite academies |
| {UEFA Pro Licence} | Premier League, EFL, Champions League, national teams |
The main pathway isn’t your only option. UEFA also offers specialist qualifications:
Youth Development:
Goalkeeping:
Futsal:
These specialist qualifications can run alongside or instead of the main pathway depending on your coaching focus.
UEFA licences are valid for three years. To renew, you must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
| Licence | CPD Required |
|---|---|
| UEFA C | 15 hours over 3 years |
| UEFA B | 15 hours over 3 years |
| UEFA A | As specified by FA |
| UEFA Pro | As specified by FA |
If you progress to the next licence level within three years, the CPD requirement for your current level is waived.
CPD can include FA courses, workshops, conferences, and approved external learning. Your FA account tracks your CPD hours.
No. The pathway is sequential—you must complete each level before progressing. Your experience will help you succeed at each stage, but it doesn’t replace the qualifications themselves. The exception is long-serving professional players who may enter at UEFA B level.
You don’t need to complete the full pathway. Many volunteer coaches are happy with the UEFA C Licence, which qualifies you for grassroots coaching at any level. Progress further only if your goals require it.
Yes. UEFA licences are recognised across all 55 member nations. You could complete your C Licence in England and B Licence in Scotland if circumstances change. Cross-border applications require additional paperwork but are straightforward.
Each level has minimum time requirements (typically 12 months). Beyond that, ask yourself: Am I consistently applying what I learned? Do I have coaching questions that my current qualification doesn’t answer? Is the next level required for roles I’m targeting? If yes, you’re probably ready.
Every elite coach started exactly where you are—with a decision to take the first step. The pathway is clear. The support is available. The only question is whether you’re ready to begin.
