“No soccer coach ever stops learning. That’s what makes the great coaches great. They strive to learn more every day and they never stop asking questions.” — Jurgen Klopp

All coaches (Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches) must be certified in order to receive a valid coaching pass and coach in SJSL-sanctioned matches.  Proof of completion must be maintained by the clubs and available on request from the league.

Recognized Coaching Licenses/Certifications

SJSL accepts the following current coaching licenses and certifications:

  • US Soccer Grassroots In-Person Licenses (7v7, 9v9, 11v11)
  • US Soccer D, C, B, A-Youth, A-Senior, or Pro License
  • NJ State Certification
  • United Soccer Coaches Diplomas: National, Advanced National, Premier, National Youth, or Master Coach Diploma
  • Master’s Degree in Soccer Coaching

Old Licenses accepted by South Jersey Boys Soccer League:

  • SJSL Coaching Certifications (Level 1 or Level 2) Prior to Dec 2024
  • NJ State issued “F License” and “E License”

Common Licenses NOT Accepted by SJSL:

  • US Soccer Grassroots ONLINE ONLY Courses
  • NJYS Y Course
  • SJSL Coaching Certifications (Level 1 or Level 2) Earned after Dec 2024

Preferred Certification Pathway

New coaches must complete an approved certification course.  SJSL prefers US Soccer Grassroots In-Person Course as the preferred learning pathway for new coaches. All courses consist of both a virtual classroom session and a field session. You must be able to attend both to pass. 

SJSL hosts multiple US Soccer Grassroots Coaching Courses throughout the year, covering formats such as 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11. These courses include both classroom and field-based instruction.

Registration:
Updated Course listings are available below.  If you are looking for additional options you may also check US Soccer’s website. https://learning.ussoccer.com/coach/courses/available/

If the course you need is full and you can not attend an open date, please still register as we will work to get a second instructor if the course gets large enough. 
 

Summer 2026 Course Schedule

Advanced Licenses

  • D License
  • Host Club – Ocean City Nor’easters
  • Course Start Date – 6/14/26
  • Course End Date – 8/22/26
  • In Person Field sessions
    • Field Session #1 – July 11-12
    • Field Session #2 – Aug 1-2
    • Classroom – Ocean City High School – 501 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, NJ, 08226
    • Field – Tennessee Avenue Sports Complex – 1 Shelter Road, Ocean City, NJ, 08226
  • For complete schedule and registration – https://learning.ussoccer.com/coach/courses/available/3/details/20012219

 Grassroots Licenses

Host Club Location Level Virtual Session Field Session
Additional Courses To be announced soon


Please reach out to Joe Arone [email protected] or Dave Debreceni [email protected] with any questions.

For more information on USSF coaching education click here