Coaching Principles

Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance

The Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance brings together cutting-edge coaching principles and research-driven training methods to enable coaches at all levels to maximise the performance of their players.

Flexible AccessStudy anytime, at your pace
100% OnlineAccess from anywhere
16 hrs learningGuided learning
Internationally accredited & endorsedCPD-certified courseCertificate of AchievementExpert-led · 100% online

This Course Enables You To:

  • The physical demands of the game
  • Mental skill development
  • Tactical periodisation
  • Injury reduction strategies
  • Leadership and culture
  • Goal scoring trends
  • Soccer nutrition
  • Competitive training microcycle

Course Details

The Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance course exposes you to the very latest in soccer science & performance principles, strategies and tactics adopted by elite clubs to maximise the performance of their players and teams.

This course is suitable for:

  • Individuals tasked with the responsibility for the training, preparation & coaching aspects of soccer, football players or team sports and individuals with an interest in developing their knowledge in the training & development of individual soccer players.

The course is comprised of the following:

  • 16 study hours
  • Pre- & post-lecture reading references
  • Multiple-choice tests
  • Tutor assessed assignment
  • Certificate of Achievement
Who is this course designed for?

This course has been designed for beginner to elite level coaches who want to better understand soccer science & performance principles and strategies that are used at the very top of the game, so that they can be applied within their own team environment.

How long is the course?

This is a 16 hour course providing a deep overview of soccer science and performance best practices that can be applied to your own team environment to improve the performance of your players.

Is my progress logged through the course?

After each lecture there is a short multiple-choice test designed to cement your learning. You can access your test results at anytime through your course progress area.

Can I stop/pause a presentation part way through?

Yes, the course is completely flexible. You can go back to a module at anytime and continue from where you left off.

Can I take the modules in any order?

No. The course follows a set structure that must be studied in numerical order. You can only access the next module once you have completed the previous module test.

Is there a time limit on the course?

Yes. This course has a 3-month access limit. You can access the course 24/7 within this period.

Will I get a certificate to show that I have passed the course?

Yes, you will receive a pass certificate provided you have attained the minimum pass grade of 75%.

If you have any further questions, please Contact Us.

This online course has been developed with some of the most respected practitioners and academics within the game. The focus of the course is as follows:
  • Provides justification for the guiding of specific training methods, interventions & decision making processes within soccer
  • Highlights the practical application of modern, research based training methods & assessment tools
  • Provides an increased evidence & knowledge to understand key soccer science & performance processes across a range of coaching science topics
Official Accreditation By ISSPF

This course is fully accredited by ISSPF & ensures the study hours will contribute to the achievement of a formal accreditation & ISSPF continued professional development.

UEFA Federations

Official Accreditation By Latvian Football Federation (UEFA)

The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) fully accredits ISSPF online courses. Completion of these courses contributes to formal LFF accreditation and professional development. ISSPF courses are also recognized for UEFA PRO to C course revalidation and Professional Diploma refreshment.

Official Accreditation By Slovenian FA (NSZ) (UEFA)

The Slovenian FA (NSZ) fully accredits ISSPF online courses. Completion of these courses contributes to formal NSZ accreditation and professional development. ISSPF courses are also recognized for UEFA PRO to C course revalidation and Professional Diploma refreshment.

Official Accreditation By Iceland FA (KSI) (UEFA)

The Iceland FA (KSI) fully accredits ISSPF online courses. Completion of these courses contributes to formal KSI accreditation and professional development. ISSPF courses are also recognized for UEFA PRO to C course revalidation and Professional Diploma refreshment.

Official Accreditation By Lithuanian Football Federation (UEFA)

The Lithuania FF (LFF) fully accredits ISSPF online courses. Completion of these courses contributes to formal LFF accreditation and professional development. ISSPF courses are also recognized for UEFA PRO to C course revalidation and Professional Diploma refreshment.

CONCACAF Federation

Accredited by British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA), CONCACAF

This online course holds full accreditation from the BVIFA, guaranteeing that study hours count toward formal accreditation and BVIFA's professional development. Additionally, it's accepted for BVIFA-CONCACAF course revalidation.

Official Course Endorsement

Endorsed By Scottish Football Association (SFA)

This course has been endorsed by the SFA as part of the revalidation process.

Endorsed By Bournemouth University (BU)

This course is fully endorsed by the Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, England, UK.

Endorsed By East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

This course is fully endorsed by the ETSU, Tennessee, USA.

Endorsed By Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

This course is fully endorsed by the UiTM, Malaysia.

Endorsed By Wrexham University

This course is fully endorsed by the Wrexham University, Wrexham, Wales, UK.

Official Course Endorsement By Estonia Football Association (UEFA)

The Estonia FA (EJL) endorses ISSPF online courses. Completion of these courses contributes to professional development. ISSPF courses can be used for UEFA PRO to C course revalidation and Professional Diploma refreshment.

Official Accreditation By Football Association of Finland (UEFA)

The FA of Finland (FAF) accredits ISSPF online courses as part of their UEFA coaching program & course revalidation. Completion of these courses contributes to formal FAF accreditation refreshment and professional development.

Course Modules

01The demands of professional soccer

Delivered by Prof. Vasilios Kalapotharakos

In this lecture you will Identify the physical demands of the game, understand positional differences within match-play & training, identify tactical differences in the physical output and understand the challenges of coaching.

02Developing Resilience In Soccer

Delivered by Dr Nikki Crawley

In this lecture you will understand what resilience is and why we should care, resilience bandwidth & the environment, challenging mindsets – predictability vs unpredictability and the psychological environment – pressure, development & awareness.

03Game Model Building & Development

Delivered by Dr. Alejandro Romero-Caballero

In this lecture you will understand tactical periodisation background, implications & considerations of training methodology, developing a game model and structuring the microcycle.

04 Injury Reduction Strategies In Professional Soccer

Delivered by Dr. Patrick Orme

The focus of this lecture is to increase knowledge about the types of injuries we see in soccer, understand what can be done on the pitch to reduce the risk of these injuries happening and identify what can be done in the gym to reduce the risk of these injuries happening.

05Leadership & Culture For High Performance Soccer

Delivered by Max Lankheit

In the lecture, we will cover leadership & managing change, group dynamics & team optimisation, problem solving & systematic thinking, developing high performance teams & performance models.

06Goal scoring trends of leading European teams

Delivered by Chris Meek
chris meek - soccer coach

In this lecture we will look at goal scoring trends of the UEFA Champions League, comparative analysis of goal scoring trends: Case Study. We will look at analysing crosses & cutbacks within the game and tactical differences – creating chances.

07Soccer nutrition & the role of the nutritionist

Delivered by Matthew Jones

In this lecture we will look at the physical performance & nutrition link, soccer specific nutrition, nutritional periodisation, nutritional analysis, intervention & education.

08Competitive Soccer Training Microcycle

Delivered by Dr. Manuel Segovia

In this lecture we will explore the evolution of competitive soccer demands, an example of a weekly training structure – working microcycle, training session examples and specific content, opposition analysis & game plan development and technical-tactical-conditioning implications of the microcycle.

Only$159Buy now

What you get with your enrolment:

  • 16-Hours Soccer Science Specific Training
  • Tutor Assessed Assignments
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • 30 day money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Who is this Soccer Science & Performance course for

The Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance course has been designed for individuals tasked with the responsibility for the training, preparation & coaching aspects of soccer, football players or team sports and individuals with an interest in developing their knowledge in the training & development of individual soccer players.

Is this Soccer Science & Performance course suitable for me?

This course is developed and structured for all individuals with an interest in developing their knowledge in soccer further, students with degree level or post-degree level educations, learners with UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, AFC or other FIFA recognised coaching awards in the training & development of individual soccer players or team sports.

Why is this Soccer Science & Performance course important?"
The Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance course is important because it:
  • Provides justification for the guiding of specific training methods, interventions & decision making processes within soccer;
  • Highlights the practical application of modern, research based training methods & assessment tools;
  • Provides an increased evidence & knowledge to understand key soccer science & performance processes across a range of coaching science topics;
  • Discusses the most efficient training methods and detailed insights into developing player fitness alongside analysis, nutritional & training methodologies;
  • Learn from industry experts in the area of football science, sport science & performance training in team sports;
  • Help maximise your decision makingthrough a better understanding & appreciation of football or soccer science.
What skills will I improve if I take this Soccer Science & Performance course?

This course discusses the most efficient training methods and performance, soccer science coaching principles and detailed insights into developing key coaching principles.

It provides you with an increased evidence & knowledge to understand key soccer science & performance processes across a range of coaching science topics.

It enables you to discuss the most efficient training methods and detailed insights into developing player fitness alongside analysis, nutritional & training methodologies

You will learn from industry experts in the area of football science, sport science & performance training in team sports.

It helps you to maximise your decision making through a better understanding & appreciation of football or soccer science.

How will this Soccer Science & Performance course help me?

This course will help anyone interested in making better decisions when it comes to coaching groups or soccer teams.

You will learn from industry experts in the area of football science, sport science & performance training in team sports

It also helps you to maximise your decision making through a better understanding & appreciation of football or soccer science.

How can this course assist me to progress?

ISSPF courses are not only recommended by universities and federations around the world, but they are delivered by some of the leading practitioners in the game of soccer, which will provide some cutting-edge methods and industry overview on dealing with specific aspects of performance coaching and development.

ISSPF are working at accrediting all their courses through academic and footballing institutes in order to provide additional academic currency to the learner.

Reviews from professional coaches

Steve McClaren
Steve McClarenManchester Utd
"This is by far the most innovative style of learning that I've seen in this digital era. The breadth of topics covered, combined with the level of detail and insights makes this a must learning environment for any coach who is working or wants to get into the game and progress to the highest levels."

Manchester Utd, Middlesborough, FC Twente, Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, England

Ringo Wu
Ringo WuAFC ‘B’ Coaching Certificate
ISSPF have managed to provide our soccer coaching staff within our college team with a 1st class opportunity to learn & apply some key performance coaching aspects. The opportunity to personally develop & track the staff’s progress through their assisted e-learning process is very impressive. I highly recommend the content as a must for all individuals tasked with the development of soccer players across all levels of the game."

Head of Physical Education & Sport, Nanwai Kings College Soccer Team, Jinkai District, Jiangsu, China

Kari Ukkonen
Kari UkkonenUEFA Professional License
Working with ISSPF as an educational partner has allowed us here at the Football Association the chance to provide CPD and continue to educate our coaches across a wide range of learning levels from our UEFA foundation levels through our UEFA Professional Licence. Offering our candidates, the chance to use both the ISSPF platform & specific soccer courses, is a huge advantage to us as an education provided within the game

Head of Coach Education, Football Association of Finland, UEFA, Helsinki, Finland

Vin Blaine
Vin BlaineCONCACAF
An experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the soccer industry & having developed across a range of sports psychology, match analysis, player development, and sports management – I feel the opportunity to integrate the e-learning facility available from ISSPF into as a federation, club or individual self-development level is of huge benefit. As a FIFA & CONCACAF Instructor & Director of Football I have rarely seen an educational tool as good as this to positively influence individuals across a range of key soccer topics.
Leo Lucas da Silva
Leo Lucas da SilvaLevel-2 License
Using the ISSPF learning facility has opened my eyes to the detail and incredible knowledge provided from an elite faculty of elite coach developers and soccer science educators. As an individual who continually wants to progress my coaching pathway, I think this might be the best solution to increase my awareness of all elements of the game. The large amount of content and lectures available has already, and will continue to improve me. Gaining the Foundation Certificate in Soccer Science & Performance was extremely to me.

Youth Academy Coach, Botafogo de Futebol, Brazil

Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex FergusonManchester United
Sports science, without question is the biggest, most important change in my lifetime. It has moved the game onto another level that maybe we never dreamt of all those years ago. Sports science has brought a whole new dimension to the game.

Aberdeen, Manchester United

Oriol Gonzales
Oriol GonzalesUEFA Professional License
Living abroad to work as a soccer coach has its difficulties in terms of coach education provision due to travel and time commitments. Being able to access the ISSPF platform has allowed me not only to maximise my spare time from a self-development perspective, but we have also been able to gain certifications & qualifications as a club across all elements of the game. From our senior squad staff to the academy staff, ISSPF is a fundamental education tool for our club development strategy.”

Head Coach & Technical Director, Angkor Tigers FC, Asian Champions League, Cambodian Superleague, Cambodia

Jingze Quan
Jingze QuanAFC ‘B’ Coaching Certificate
Being able to develop the coaching staff throughout the club here in Eagles River FC is a large part of my role within the club. Having come across ISSPF and now using the e-learning platform for our English-speaking Chinese coaching, and medical staff we have been able to improve our focus and upgrade some key elements within the organisation. As a large grassroots club here within the province, we feel using ISSPF as an educational partnership is of huge benefit”

Director of Youth Development Coaching, Eagles River FC, Yanbian, Jilin, China

Woody Jacobs
Woody JacobsSAFA Level 1 Diploma
Working as both Assistant Manager with elite players of our national team, I have been able to directly take a lot of content and thought provoking ideas from the content on view within ISSPF and use them to the benefit of our national players. Furthermore, I am delighted to say that we are now integrating the ISSPF online courses into our coach development program to uplift the whole coaching education aspects of our nation.

Assistant Manager & Coach Developer, Namibian National Soccer Association, Namibia

Susan Lockyear
Susan LockyearFFA Advanced Coaching License
As the game develops within the professional women’s game & also filters down within the girl’s academy programs across the world, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving the developmental aspects of the game in this area. To be able to link as an educational partnership with ISSPF is a huge part of our federation soccer development strategy, and as we can now offer a range of online content, certification qualifications and courses from a range of leading professionals – we have already seen a direct enhancement across our coaching content and performance department delivery.

Head Coach & Technical Director, Canberra State County FA, Australia

Lorenzo Francini
Lorenzo FranciniMSc
As a fitness coach and sport scientist working at the elite level of the female game, I feel that ISSPF and their integration of both applied and academic quality is something that will be of huge importance for people within our industry. ISSPF have manage to accumulate a faculty of leaders across soccer science, medical & coaching science that will enable them to educate people from a very insightful and practitioning way.

Head of Performance, AC Milan, Women’s Division, Italy

Peter McDonnell
Peter McDonnellUEFA A License
The layers of content within ISSPF is in a league of it's on when considering CPD options for coaches of all levels. Having explored many avenues through my own coaching journey, the detail embedded in the courses really lends itself to closing the gap between the integrated knowledge across the fields of Sports Science and the actual application of the skills on the field. Being able to learn from many experts, across a global faculty, affords me the ability to step into their professional world and soak in the abundant knowledge they have, all in my own time.

Assistant Soccer Coach – The University of Maine

Claudio Donatelli
Claudio Donatelli
ISSPF have been able to seamlessly provide all individuals with an interest in team sports and specifically soccer with the chance to learn from some of the best people in their key research areas. Developing throughout my career as a fitness & conditioning expert and applying the scientific principles of training at the elite level of the soccer, I feel being able to use the e-learning strategy within ISSPF challenges and adds further credibility to my working practices. I highly recommend individuals from all learning levels to tap into the fantastic resource available here.

Performance & Fitness Coach Italian National Team

Tony Merola
Tony MerolaUEFA A License
Never before have I seen a unique set of soccer specific performance & coaching specialists under one banner and available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to learn within the comfort of my own home. Being part of the educational partnership program with ISSPF has opened up a new & time efficient way for both myself as Technical Director, and my club coaching and fitness staff to up skill and develop as coaches.

Boys ECNL Director – Tulsa Soccer Club, USA

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