Are you wondering how to become a professional football coach? Or do you have questions like, “What does a football coach do?” and “How much do football coaches make?”
You’ve come to the right place. In this helpful guide, we’ll explore the duties of a pro football coach, the licences and certifications required, the potential earnings in this dynamic field, as well as why ACPE is your trusted partner in achieving your coaching dreams. Whether you’re a seasoned player transitioning to coaching or a passionate football enthusiast, we’ll provide valuable insights to kick-start your coaching career.
Let’s get started.
What does a football coach do?
As a pro football coach, you will be responsible for various duties beyond just game strategy. These include:
- Player development — You will help nurture the skills and abilities of individual players to benefit the team as a whole.
- Game planning — By developing strategic plans and analysing opponents, you can create effective game strategies for the team.
- Training and conditioning — You will monitor players’ physical training and conditioning to ensure optimal performance and injury prevention.
- Leadership and motivation — You will uplift, inspire and motivate players to perform to the best of their ability, encouraging teamwork and performance.
- Player evaluation — It’s your responsibility to assess player performance, identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback.
- Recruiting and talent identification — You will take the time to scout for and recruit talented players to bring their A-game and contribute to the team’s success.
- Team management — It’s up to you to manage your team’s unique dynamics, coordinate practice sessions and ensure smooth communication among players and staff.
How to get a football coaching licence
To establish yourself as a professional football coach in Australia, you must know how to get a football coaching licence. This involves completing a football coaching course, gaining practical experience and submitting your required documentation.
At ACPE, you can kick-start your career as a football coach with our selection of football degree and diploma courses, which will teach you all the ins and outs of football development, management and performance. Each of our courses is run by industry experts, so you can learn from the best and know what to expect from a future career as a pro football coach.
Our courses include:
This specialised diploma will prepare you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in a future career as a pro football coach, game development manager and more. You’ll get to explore football codes in soccer, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, rugby 7s, wheelchair rugby, futsal and touch football. You’ll also learn the ins and outs of coaching, officiating, promoting community participation, fostering an inclusive environment on the field, management skills and monitoring your players’ development and well-being.
You’ll participate in at least 45 hours of work-integrated learning placements in football environments — after all, you won’t be able to learn how to be a pro football coach just from studying behind a book.
At ACPE, we continue to closely collaborate with the football industry to ensure this diploma remains relevant and is up to date. Industry experts teach classes and focus on real-life case studies of football professionals, clubs and organisations. With this diploma, you can equip yourself with the necessary skills to succeed as a pro football coach on the field.
Complete this diploma in one year full-time or the part-time equivalent.
With this degree, you’ll broaden your skills, knowledge and understanding as a pro football coach, academy coach and more for various types of football games. Learn from industry experts and relate to real-life case studies from some of the best football professionals, clubs and associations. You will participate in at least 110 hours of work placement in a football environment — there’s no better way for you to learn what it takes to make a difference as a pro football coach than by immersing yourself in real-world scenarios.
This degree can be completed in two years, full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on your needs.
We’re proud of the fact that ACPE’s Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) is Australia’s first football degree! Learn essential coaching skills, football principles and practices as well as how to officiate a game and monitor player well-being to ensure your team is in a healthy physical and mental health state. In the later years of your degree, you will learn leadership and management skills in football, how to communicate effectively with your team and how to plan football tactics, strategies and analytics.
One thing’s for sure — it won’t all be theoretical study. You’ll have at least 260 hours of placement in football environments to showcase your skills and build your confidence. From a coach development/education manager to an academy coach and manager or head of football, the possibilities are endless with this degree under your belt.
Complete this degree in three years full-time or the part-time equivalent.
How to become a professional football coach
Whether you’ve always seen yourself as a football coach or you’re a football player looking to quit the game and take on a coaching position, we suggest taking these steps to kick-start your football coaching career:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
At ACPE, our Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) allows you to dive deep into the world of football. Learn all the necessary coaching and leadership skills to be a good mentor to your team and to ensure they can play to their best potential while still maintaining their health and well-being.
- Gain experience and knowledge
If you’re wondering, “What does a football coach do?” or deliberating whether that’s where you see your future, why not try it out for fun first before committing to your studies? Volunteer or work as an assistant coach at the youth or amateur level to gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of coaching techniques.
- Network and build connections
Attend coaching conferences, seminars and networking events to connect with industry professionals, players and potential mentors who can support your career progression.
If you’re a high school student in Years 10 to 12 wondering how to become a professional football coach or want to feel out if it’s a potential career match for you, attend one of our free workshops on our campus or at your school.
- Pursue coaching certifications
Enrol in coaching education programs and pursue relevant certifications to enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. ACPE is home to an array of football coaching courses that can help kick-start your career. Our courses are flexible so that you can study online, on-campus or a hybrid of both.
At ACPE, we believe in making all our football coaching courses flexible so students from all walks of life can be on their way to a successful, rewarding career in no time. Whether you’re a high school student, a recent high school graduate or looking to make a career switch later in life, we’re here to help you on the pathway to success!
- Apply for coaching positions
Once you’re qualified to become a pro football coach, regularly check job postings and apply for coaching positions at schools, colleges, professional teams or football academies. Prepare a well-crafted resume highlighting your qualifications and coaching experience. At ACPE, our courses each include opportunities for work placements to increase your job prospects after graduating.
How much do football coaches make?
One of the most common questions is, “How much do football coaches make?” The earnings of a pro football coach can vary depending on factors such as experience, level of competition and the organisation you work for. While entry-level coaching positions may have modest salaries, successful coaches at the professional level can earn more substantial incomes. Endorsements, bonuses and other incentives can contribute significantly to a coach’s overall earnings.
Kick off your career with our football courses and degrees at ACPE
If you aspire to guide and shape the future of football teams, ACPE is your trusted partner in achieving your coaching dreams.
With ACPE, you can embark on a rewarding coaching career. In fact, compared to other universities and education providers, ACPE is rated in the top 15 for the overall quality of student experience in 2021. We received a whopping 94.4% rating for teaching quality, so you can trust you’ll be learning from nothing less than the best.
Remember, coaching is not just about winning games — it’s about developing players, fostering teamwork and positively impacting daily lives. By studying to be a football coach with ACPE, you can excel in professional football coaching and make a lasting impact on the sport you love. If you have any questions, reach out to our team, who would be more than happy to assist.
