The UEFA C Licence is the first formal coaching qualification on the English FA pathway and the essential starting point for anyone serious about coaching football in the UK. Whether you’re coaching grassroots youth teams or aspiring to work at academy level, this qualification opens doors that simply aren’t available without it.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the UEFA C Licence course: what you’ll learn, how much it costs, how to access funding that can reduce your fee to as little as £95, and exactly how to apply. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to starting your coaching qualification journey.
The UEFA C Licence is the entry-level professional coaching qualification recognised across Europe. It’s designed for coaches working with players aged 5–16 and focuses on developing your ability to plan, deliver, and reflect on coaching sessions in grassroots and youth football environments.
This qualification is awarded by The Football Association (FA) in England and sits within the UEFA coaching convention framework. It’s the first step beyond the introductory Introduction to Coaching Football course and forms the foundation for all higher-level coaching qualifications.
The UEFA C Licence is mandatory if you want to coach in structured youth football settings, apply for roles within professional club academies, or progress to the UEFA B Licence and beyond. Without it, your coaching options remain limited to informal or volunteer settings.
Previously known as FA Level 2, the UEFA C Licence was rebranded in 2014 to align with European coaching standards—the curriculum and recognition remain identical.
Before you can enrol on the UEFA C course, you must meet specific prerequisites set by the FA. These requirements ensure you have foundational coaching knowledge and practical experience.
Before you can enrol, ensure you have:
Essential Prerequisites
You must hold the Introduction to Coaching Football qualification (previously known as FA Level 1). This entry-level course typically takes three days to complete and costs around £150–£200 depending on your County FA.
You must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment, though most candidates are 18 or older due to practical coaching placement requirements.
A valid FA-accepted safeguarding certificate is mandatory. This can be completed online through The FA’s learning portal and must be renewed every three years.
While not a formal requirement, the FA strongly recommends having active coaching experience before starting your UEFA C Licence. Most candidates have been coaching for 6–12 months in grassroots settings, schools, or local clubs.
During the course, you’ll need access to a team or group of players for your practical assessments. If you don’t currently coach regularly, you should arrange this before enrolling to avoid delays in completing your qualification.
The standard cost for the UEFA C Licence is £650 when booked directly through a County FA. However, multiple funding options exist that can dramatically reduce this fee—or eliminate it entirely.
| Funding Option | You Pay | Who Funds | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £650 | None | Anyone meeting prerequisites |
| Partial Funding | £95 | FA (£555) | Active grassroots coaches |
| Club Funding | £500 | FA (£150) | Coaches at affiliated clubs |
| Chase Fund | £0 | Chase (£650) | Underrepresented backgrounds/high need areas |
All fees based on 2025/26 season. Eligibility criteria apply – see our costs and funding guide for full details.
The £650 standard fee covers all course materials, tutor-led sessions (typically 120 hours over 16–20 weeks), assessment fees, and your UEFA C certificate upon successful completion. Some County FAs may charge slightly different rates, but £650 is the typical benchmark across England.
This fee does not include travel to and from course venues, accommodation if required, or any additional costs for background checks (DBS) if you don’t already hold a valid certificate.
The FA offers several funding schemes that can reduce your UEFA C Licence cost to as little as £95, or even make it completely free:
Partial Funding (£95): Available through the FA’s Coach Development Pathway funding scheme. If you’re an active grassroots coach working with youth players, you may qualify for this significantly reduced rate. You’ll need to demonstrate regular coaching activity and commitment to developing players in your community.
Grassroots Club Funding (£500): Many grassroots clubs can access FA funding that subsidises course fees for their coaches. In this scenario, you’d typically pay around £500 (with your club covering £150), though arrangements vary by club.
The Chase Fund (£0): The FA’s flagship funding programme covers the full course fee for eligible coaches from underrepresented backgrounds or working in areas of high social need. If approved, you pay nothing. Applications are competitive and assessed based on your coaching context, demographic factors, and commitment to using your qualification to benefit your community.
The UEFA C Licence course typically runs over 16–20 weeks and consists of approximately 120 hours of learning. The course uses a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching sessions, practical coaching placements, and independent study.
The curriculum focuses on five core modules that develop your coaching competencies across technical, tactical, and player development areas:
Practical Coaching Skills: You’ll learn to plan and deliver age-appropriate coaching sessions for players aged 5–16, with emphasis on skill development, opposed practices, and small-sided games. This module forms the bulk of your practical assessments.
Technical Principles: Understanding and coaching the fundamental techniques of football—passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, and defending—using progressions suitable for different age groups and ability levels.
Tactical Awareness: Introduction to basic tactical concepts including 1v1 situations, transitional play, creating space, and defending as a unit. You’ll learn how to coach decision-making within game-realistic practices.
Player Development: Understanding how young players learn, adapting your coaching to different developmental stages, and creating inclusive environments that motivate and engage all participants regardless of ability.
Session Planning & Reflection: Developing your ability to plan structured sessions with clear objectives, differentiation for mixed abilities, and reflective practice that helps you improve as a coach.
Most County FAs deliver the UEFA C Licence through a combination of weekend workshops (typically 8–10 full or half days) and midweek evening sessions for theory content and peer learning.
You’ll be assigned to a cohort of 16–24 coaches and work with the same FA tutor throughout the course. This allows for consistent feedback and relationship-building with fellow coaches.
Between formal sessions, you’ll complete practical coaching hours with your own team or player group. Your tutor will observe several of these sessions as part of your assessment. You’ll also maintain a coaching log and complete written assignments related to session planning and player analysis.
The application process for the UEFA C Licence is managed through your local County FA. Here’s exactly how to secure your place on the next available course.
Step 1: Check Your Prerequisites
Confirm you hold the Introduction to Coaching Football qualification and have a valid safeguarding certificate. If not, complete these first—they’re mandatory before you can enrol.
Step 2: Research Funding Eligibility
Before applying, investigate which funding options you may qualify for. If you’re eligible for The Chase Fund or partial funding, apply for this before booking your course to avoid paying the full fee upfront.
Step 3: Find Your County FA
Visit The FA’s Find a Course tool or contact your local County FA directly. Course availability varies significantly by region—some areas run courses monthly, others quarterly.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
You’ll register through The England football portal, providing your FA number, coaching experience details, and current safeguarding certificate. You’ll select your preferred course dates and confirm your funding route if applicable.
Step 5: Pay Your Course Fee
If paying the standard rate (£650), payment is typically required at booking. Funded places may require a smaller deposit initially. Ensure you receive confirmation of enrolment and your course start date.
Step 6: Prepare for Day One
You’ll receive a pre-course pack with reading materials and logistical details. Arrange your coaching placement if you don’t already have regular access to a team—this is essential for completing your practical assessments.
County FAs typically release UEFA C Licence course dates 8–12 weeks in advance. Popular course dates (especially weekend-only formats) fill quickly, so applying as soon as dates are announced is advisable.
If you’re applying for funded places through The Chase programme, start your application 12–16 weeks before your intended course start date, as the approval process can take 4–6 weeks.
Most coaches begin their UEFA C Licence between September and November (aligning with the football season start) or in March/April (for a spring intake). Consider your own coaching commitments when selecting dates—you’ll need regular access to players throughout the course duration.
Successfully completing the UEFA C Licence requires passing both practical coaching assessments and written assignments. Understanding how you’ll be assessed helps you prepare effectively and manage the 16–20 week qualification timeline.
Practical Coaching Observations: Your FA tutor will formally observe you delivering coaching sessions on at least three occasions throughout the course. These observations assess your session planning, communication, use of progressions, and ability to adapt to what players need in the moment.
Each observation lasts 45–60 minutes and focuses on a specific aspect of the curriculum—typically one technical session, one small-sided games session, and one focusing on transitions or defending. You’ll receive detailed written feedback after each observation.
Written Assignments: You’ll complete several written tasks including session plans with clear objectives and progressions, player analysis reports demonstrating your understanding of developmental needs, and reflective journals that show how you’re improving your coaching practice.
These assignments are typically submitted online through The FA’s learning platform and must demonstrate your understanding of age-appropriate coaching principles.
Peer Teaching and Micro Sessions: During workshop days, you’ll deliver short coaching segments to fellow course participants. These aren’t formally graded but provide valuable practice and peer feedback in a supportive environment.
Weeks 1–4: Foundation workshops + first practical observation
Weeks 5–12: Continued workshops + written assignments + peer teaching
Weeks 13–16: Final practical observations + assignment submissions
Week 17–20: Results + certificate issuance (if passed)
Post-course: Access to FA resources + eligibility for UEFA B (after 6 months)
If you don’t meet the required standard in any assessment component, you’ll have opportunities to resubmit written work or be re-observed in practical sessions. Your tutor will provide specific feedback on areas requiring improvement.
Most candidates who engage fully with the course pass all components within the standard 16–20 week timeframe. The FA reports a pass rate of approximately 90% for candidates who complete all required elements.
There’s no limit on how many times you can resubmit, but any re-observations after the standard course period may incur additional fees (typically £50–£100 per observation).
Achieving your UEFA C Licence significantly expands your coaching opportunities and forms the essential foundation for progressing in football coaching careers at all levels.
With a UEFA C Licence, you’re qualified to coach youth football teams (ages 5–16) in structured club environments, school programmes, and holiday camps. Many grassroots clubs require this qualification for their age-group coaches, and it’s becoming increasingly standard even at recreational levels.
You can apply for paid coaching roles at football academies, development centres, and coaching companies that deliver programmes in schools and communities. While many academy roles require the UEFA B Licence, some entry-level positions and development centre roles are open to UEFA C qualified coaches with strong practical experience.
The qualification also enables you to coach in further education settings, including colleges and sixth forms that run football programmes or development squads.
The UEFA C Licence is your gateway to the English FA coaching pathway. After holding your UEFA C for a minimum of six months and demonstrating active coaching experience, you become eligible to apply for the UEFA B Licence.
The UEFA B represents a significant step up in both difficulty and career opportunities, qualifying you for roles at professional club academies, further education positions, and semi-professional team coaching. It costs £1,200 (or £180 with FA funding) and requires 6–12 months to complete.
Beyond the UEFA B, the UEFA A Licence (£3,645, 12 months) and UEFA Pro Licence (£13,700, 18 months) become accessible as you progress. The Pro Licence is required for coaching in the Premier League and managing professional teams at the highest levels.
Without the UEFA C Licence, none of these higher qualifications are accessible—making it the non-negotiable starting point for any serious coaching career pathway.
UEFA C qualified coaches working part-time in grassroots settings typically earn £15–£25 per hour depending on location and experience. Full-time academy development coach roles start around £18,000–£24,000 annually for UEFA C holders, rising to £25,000–£35,000+ with significant experience or when combined with a UEFA B qualification.
The qualification also strengthens your position when volunteering or seeking committee roles within clubs, as it demonstrates professional commitment and safeguarding awareness.
Critically, the UEFA C Licence signals to employers, parents, and players that you’ve achieved a recognised professional standard. In an increasingly professionalised grassroots environment, it’s become the minimum expected qualification for anyone coaching children in structured settings.
16–20 weeks from your first workshop to final assessment.
The UEFA C Licence typically takes 16–20 weeks to complete from your first workshop session to final assessment. The course includes approximately 120 hours of learning delivered through 8–10 full or half-day workshops, practical coaching placements with your own team, and independent study. The exact duration depends on your County FA’s delivery schedule—some run intensive weekend formats over four months, others spread the course across 20 weeks with midweek sessions. You must complete all practical assessments and written assignments within your cohort’s timeframe to receive your qualification.
No—the UEFA C Licence requires face-to-face practical coaching sessions.
The qualification cannot be completed entirely online. The course requires in-person practical coaching sessions where FA tutors observe you delivering sessions to real players. While some theory content and written assignments can be completed remotely through The FA’s online learning platform, you must attend in-person workshop days and complete observed practical coaching hours with a team or player group. During COVID-19, temporary hybrid formats were introduced, but the standard delivery has returned to requiring significant face-to-face attendance. This practical emphasis ensures you develop genuine coaching competencies, not just theoretical knowledge.
They’re the same qualification—just different names.
There is no difference. The FA Level 2 is the old name for what’s now called the UEFA C Licence. The FA rebranded its coaching qualifications in 2014 to align with the UEFA coaching convention framework used across Europe. If someone mentions their “FA Level 2” qualification, they hold a UEFA C Licence. The curriculum, course structure, and recognition are identical. The UEFA branding simply makes it clearer where each qualification sits in the European-wide coaching framework and emphasises the international recognition these qualifications carry.
No—your UEFA C Licence never expires.
Your UEFA C Licence does not expire and never needs renewing. Once you’ve successfully completed the course and received your certificate, the qualification is yours for life. However, you must keep your safeguarding certificate up to date (renewed every three years) to maintain coaching roles in structured football environments. Many coaches also complete ongoing professional development courses to stay current with coaching trends and methodologies. If you want to progress to higher qualifications like the UEFA B, you’ll need to demonstrate active coaching experience since completing your UEFA C—simply holding the qualification without using it isn’t sufficient for accessing the next level.
Yes, but the UEFA C focuses on youth football (ages 5–16).
You can coach adults with a UEFA C Licence, but with limitations. The qualification primarily qualifies you to coach youth players aged 5–16, which is where the course content focuses. However, you can coach adult recreational teams or grassroots men’s and women’s football with this qualification. For coaching in semi-professional adult football or first teams in structured leagues, most clubs prefer or require the UEFA B Licence as a minimum. The UEFA C gives you foundational coaching principles applicable to any age group, but if your primary interest is adult football coaching, you should still complete the UEFA C first (as it’s the mandatory prerequisite for the UEFA B), then progress to the UEFA B within 6–12 months.
From £95 to £0 with FA funding schemes.
With FA funding, your UEFA C Licence cost can be reduced to £95 or even £0. The standard course fee is £650, but several funded routes exist:
Eligibility criteria vary for each scheme—you typically need to demonstrate regular coaching activity, commitment to developing players in your community, and in some cases meet demographic or geographic requirements. Our costs and funding guide provides detailed eligibility information and application instructions for each funding route. Most coaches qualify for at least partial funding, so it’s worth investigating before paying the full £650.
The UEFA C Licence is your entry point to professional football coaching in the UK. Whether you’re coaching youth teams at your local club or planning a long-term career in academy football, this qualification is the essential first step.
Ready to start your coaching journey? Our UEFA C Licence course page provides everything you need to book your place, including course dates, detailed pricing information, and direct links to your County FA’s booking system.
Not sure which funding route you qualify for? Our comprehensive costs and funding guide breaks down every available funding scheme with eligibility criteria and step-by-step application processes. Most coaches can reduce their course fee to £95 or access fully funded places—find out which options you’re eligible for before booking.
If you have questions about the application process, course structure, or how the UEFA C fits into your coaching career plans, get in touch with our team. We help coaches across England navigate the FA coaching pathway and access the support they need to achieve their qualifications.
