Who it is for
For everyone who looks after a team in children's football — from the youngest age groups up to about U11 — without any training for it. That is the large majority.
It requires no prior knowledge, no playing experience and no licence. Anyone who wants more afterwards continues along the licence pathway to the C licence.
Other national federations have comparable entry formats. The names differ, the idea is the same.
The background: the children's football reform
The certificate is part of the reform of children's football that the German FA carried out together with the regional associations. Its core points:
- Smaller game formats instead of big teams — Funino and similar formats with two to five players per side.
- More ball contacts for every child instead of queueing.
- No league tables in children's football, so that development comes before results.
The reform changes what a children's coach has to be able to do. Anyone still working with one team and one ball while the format calls for four small pitches needs different tools. The certificate provides them. Background in the article on festivals and competition formats.
What is taught
The content revolves around what actually happens in children's football:
Understanding children. What six- to ten-year-olds can and cannot do at their stage of development. Foundations in age-appropriate children's training.
Organising game forms. Small pitches, many ball contacts, short waiting times. How to keep 16 children busy without chaos.
Coaching attitude. Letting them play instead of coaching them through, asking instead of instructing, letting mistakes stand. More under letting children play.
The new game formats. Funino and related formats, setting up and taking down, organising a festival.
Working with parents. Clarifying expectations, handling pressure for results — see parents in youth football.
How it works
The format is deliberately lean and usually combines:
- Online modules that can be worked through freely.
- One in-person session on the pitch, usually an afternoon or a weekend day.
- Implementation in your own training between the modules.
There is no examination in the classic sense. Whoever completes the modules receives the certificate.
Important: the name, structure, hours and fee are set by the regional associations. Some call the format something else or run their own entry courses with a comparable design. The current arrangement is always listed by your own association.
Certificate or straight to the C licence?
Both have their place.
The certificate is right if you have just started, do not know whether you will stay longer and have little time. The effort is small and the benefit in everyday coaching is immediate.
The C licence is right once it is clear that you will stay and if you also want to coach youth or senior teams. It is the foundation for all further stages.
The usual route: first the certificate, one or two years of practice, then the C licence.
What it is not
The certificate is not a licence. It does not entitle you to take the B licence, it does not replace the C licence and it is not recognised for higher divisions.
Anyone who wants to work at a youth academy needs the licence pathway. Anyone looking after an under-9 side at a club does not.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about the certificate
What to take away
- The children's coach certificate is the low-threshold entry for everyone who started in children's football without any training.
- It is part of the children's football reform: small game formats, many ball contacts, no league tables.
- Content: understanding children, organising game forms, coaching attitude, working with parents.
- It is not a licence and does not replace the C licence.
- The arrangement and the fee are set by the regional associations.
Coach OS builds sessions for children's football by age and group size — with small game forms instead of queues. Coach OS suggests. The coach decides. Always.