DFB Children's Coach Certificate: Content and Structure

Who it is for

For anyone coaching a team in children's football — U7 to U11 — without any formal coaching qualification. In other words, for the vast majority.

It requires no prior knowledge, no playing experience, and no licence. If you want to take things further afterwards, you can continue along the coaching pathway towards the C Licence.

The background: the children's football reform

The certificate is part of the children's football reform implemented by the DFB alongside the regional state associations (Landesverbände). Its key pillars:

Smaller-sided games instead of large teams — Funino and similar formats with two to five players per side.
More touches on the ball for every child instead of queues and waiting times.
No league tables in children's football, ensuring development always comes before results.

The reform fundamentally changes what a youth coach needs to be capable of. If you continue working with one squad and a single ball while the matchday format calls for four small pitches, you need different tools. The certificate provides them. Find more context in our article on match festivals and competition formats.

What is covered

The course content focuses on what actually happens on the pitch in children's football:

Understanding children. What six- to ten-year-olds can and cannot do developmentally. Explore the fundamentals of age-appropriate children's training.

Organising game formats. Small pitches, plenty of touches, minimal waiting times. How to keep 16 children actively engaged without chaos.

Coaching mindset. Letting them play rather than over-coaching, asking questions instead of shouting instructions, letting mistakes happen. Read more in our guide on letting children play.

The new game formats. Funino and related match forms, setting up and clearing away pitches, organising a match festival.

Working with parents. Managing expectations and handling pressure for results — see parents in youth football.

Structure and process

The format is intentionally streamlined and typically combines:

Online modules that you can complete flexibly at your own pace.
One practical in-person session on the pitch, usually on an afternoon or weekend day.
Putting it into practice within your own training sessions between modules.

There is no formal exam in the traditional sense. Complete the modules, and you receive the certificate.

Important: The exact title, structure, duration, and fee are regulated by the individual Landesverbände. Some associations use different course titles or offer their own entry-level training with a comparable setup. Always check with your own regional association for the latest course details.

Certificate or straight to the C Licence?

Both have their place.

The certificate is the right choice if you have just started out, are unsure whether you will stick with coaching long term, and have limited time. The time commitment is minimal, and the practical benefits on the training pitch are immediate.

The C Licence is the right choice if you are committed to coaching long term and also want to manage youth or senior sides. It serves as the foundation for all higher licence levels.

The standard progression: complete the certificate first, gain one to two years of practical coaching experience, and then tackle the C Licence.

What it is not

The certificate is not an official coaching licence. It does not qualify you to take the B Licence, it does not replace the C Licence, and it is not recognised as an official credential for higher competitive divisions.

If you want to work in an academy, you must follow the formal licence pathway. If you are coaching a U9 team at your grassroots club, you do not.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Children's Coach Certificate

Is the Children's Coach Certificate an official coaching licence?+

No. It is an introductory grassroots qualification below the official licence levels and does not replace the C Licence.

What prerequisites are required?+

Generally none in terms of coaching credentials. Because you are working with minors, clubs typically require an enhanced criminal record check (erweitertes Führungszeugnis).

How long does the course take?+

Significantly shorter than a full licence course — usually online modules plus one practical in-person session. Your Landesverband provides the exact hourly breakdown.

How much does it cost?+

The fee is set by your regional Landesverband and is kept deliberately low. Many clubs cover the cost entirely for their coaches.

Which age groups is it designed for?+

For grassroots children's football, roughly from U7 through to U11.

What should I do after completing it?+

Gain practical experience on the pitch and, if you decide to continue, pursue the C Licence.

Summary

The Children's Coach Certificate is the accessible entry route for anyone who started coaching children's football without formal training.
It aligns directly with the children's football reform: small-sided games, maximum touches on the ball, no league tables.
Core topics: understanding children, organising game formats, coaching mindset, working with parents.
It is not a coaching licence and does not replace the C Licence.
Course structure and fees are set by the individual Landesverbände.

Coach OS creates children's football sessions tailored to age and group size — built around small-sided games instead of waiting lines. Coach OS suggests. The coach decides. Always.