Licensing, training and resources — whether you volunteered to take your kid's rec team or you're working toward a national license.
Three requirements apply to every coach on a Cal South roster, rec or competitive, paid or volunteer. Your club registrar confirms them — but you complete them yourself, and they expire every year.
Licenses stack — each one builds on the last, and you can stop wherever your coaching does. Most rec volunteers never go past Grassroots.
Rec and entry-level competitive teams. Online module plus an in-person session. Take the one matching your age group.
Competitive youth teams. Multi-weekend course with assessment. Grassroots required first.
Experienced competitive coaches and club staff. Application-based.
Run by U.S. Soccer rather than Cal South directly.
Yes — every coach on a roster needs the Grassroots license for their age group, rec included. It's a short online module plus one in-person session.
Grassroots and D licenses don't expire, but SafeSport training and your background check renew every year regardless of license level.
U.S. Soccer licenses transfer directly. International licenses are reviewed for equivalency — contact your club registrar to start that process.
This varies by club — many cover the Grassroots course for rec volunteers. Check with your club before you pay out of pocket.
Have a question about licensing, courses or your rec program? Reach out directly.