The UEFA/FFA A licence course is the third level of the mainstream coach education pathway and is designed to support the professional development of experienced coaches.
The course deepens the knowledge and capabilities developed on the B diploma course, preparing coaches to manage player and team development more systematically, create and develop a game model, manage the training process in line with the demands of the game, and coordinate the work of the coaching staff.
Particular attention is paid to linking match play and training, applying analysis of the team’s own play and that of the opposition, and integrating the work of different specialists to improve player and team readiness and performance.
The course aims to develop the coach’s ability to manage the entire player and team development process, create and implement a game model, and use it as the basis for coordinating the team’s training and preparation for competition.
Participants develop their ability to align match play and training, make coaching decisions based on analysis, coordinate the work of coaching and support staff, and continuously evaluate and improve their own professional practice.
The course content is structured around four interrelated areas: “The Coach”, “The Player and Team”, “The Training Environment” and “The Match”.
Leading the coaching staff and coordinating the work of different specialists; allocating roles and responsibilities; professional communication and feedback. Emphasis is placed on effective collaboration within the staff, continuous reflection on one’s own coaching practice and professional development.
Planning and managing individual player development and the team’s overall development, taking account of players’ technical, tactical, physical and psychological characteristics. Aligning individual goals with team requirements and the game model; supporting the transition from youth to senior football; developing talent and potential; and assessing the impact of growth and biological maturation. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to player development. This approach also considers factors affecting players’ readiness, lifestyle and well-being.
Planning and managing the training process and the training week based on the team’s game model, the opposition’s characteristics and the tactical and physical demands of the game. Designing, delivering and evaluating training sessions; managing training load; and integrating physical preparation and other specialist areas into the training process. Emphasis is placed on creating a training environment that encourages players’ active involvement, independent decision-making and development.
Creating and developing a playing philosophy and game model; implementing a playing style and formations; and organising attacking, defending, transitions and set plays. Developing a match plan and preparing the team based on analysis of the team’s own play and that of the opposition. Managing the team during matches and making the necessary tactical adjustments; evaluating results and team performance after matches to inform subsequent training.
The course consists of seven modules and final examinations.
Learning combines theoretical study, on-pitch practical sessions, individual and group work, and practical work in micro-groups between modules, carried out in participants’ own coaching environments.
Between modules, participants plan and deliver training sessions, analyse their work, receive feedback and identify areas for further development. This format enables them to continually apply, evaluate and develop the knowledge and skills acquired on the course in real-life coaching practice.
Participation in all learning components of the course is compulsory. The procedures governing absences and the completion of missed learning activities are set out in the course participation terms.
Formative assessment supports and monitors participants’ progress throughout the course on the basis of theoretical and practical work, inter-module work in micro-groups, individual and group assignments, and presentations.
Assessment focuses on the coach’s ability to plan and manage player and team development, link match and training objectives, plan, deliver and evaluate training sessions, and make well-founded coaching decisions and implement them in practice.
Summative assessment, including final examinations, takes place at the end of the course and also assesses knowledge of the Laws of the Game and the ability to analyse the team’s own play and that of the opposition. Practical assessment includes delivering a training session with the participant’s own team based on match analysis, and managing the team or assisting the head coach during a match.
The full assessment requirements, criteria and procedures are communicated to participants at the start of the course.
The course is intended for experienced coaches who wish to develop their capabilities to work at a higher level in player and team development, the training process and match management.
To be admitted to the UEFA/FFA A diploma course, applicants must hold a valid UEFA B Licence and have gained at least one year’s experience as a head or assistant coach in 11-a-side football after obtaining it.
Applicants must have sufficient spoken and written command of the official language of the course.
Applicants must either be coaching a team at an appropriate level and be able to complete the course’s practical assignments with that team, or confirm that they will have access to a team at an appropriate level to undertake the required practical work during the course.
Admission follows the selection procedure established by the FFA.
Selection assesses applicants’ coaching and professional experience, professional goals and commitment to development, coaching approach and philosophy, and ability to present and justify their practical work. Various assignments and assessment formats may be used, together with an individual interview where necessary.
The materials required for admission and the specific selection criteria and procedures are set out in the admission announcement for the course concerned.
To apply, complete the online application form available in the admission announcement for the course concerned and attach the required documents and materials.
The final list of required documents and materials is provided in the admission announcement for the course concerned.
The fee for the UEFA/FFA A diploma course is AMD 1,000,000, inclusive of taxes and other mandatory charges.
The fee is payable in two instalments. Payment deadlines and terms are set out in the admission announcement for the course concerned.
The UEFA/FFA A Diploma confirms the coach’s ability to lead player and team development, the training process and match preparation in a more demanding environment.
Participants who fulfil the course requirements and successfully complete the assessments are awarded a diploma and coaching licence at the corresponding level.
Coaches holding a valid UEFA A Licence may progress to the UEFA/FFA Pro diploma course if, after obtaining their UEFA A Licence, they have gained at least one year’s experience as head coach of a youth national team at U17 level or above, as head or assistant coach of a team in the Armenian First League, or as assistant coach of a team in the Armenian Premier League, and meet the other admission requirements.
The admission announcement is published on the FFA’s official website and social media channels. It provides the application deadlines, admission requirements, selection procedure, payment terms and other organisational details.
