Canada Soccer Launches Concacaf Pro Diploma
Canada becomes the first Concacaf Member Association to launch the prestigious Concacaf Pro Diploma, completing the full Coaching Convention pathway domestically.
MIAMI, Florida – Concacaf has announced a historic expansion of its regional coaching framework with the launch of Canada’s inaugural Concacaf Pro Diploma delivery, which began in May 2026. This milestone marks the official completion of the Concacaf Coaching Convention pathway within Canada and aligns directly with the Confederation’s recently unveiled Pro Licensing Program.
Developed in close collaboration with UEFA through the UEFA Together initiative, this pilot delivery will be overseen by world-class UEFA Coach Developers John Peacock and Dany Ryser, working alongside Concacaf and Canada Soccer Coach Educators. As professional soccer continues its rapid growth across Canada, this top-tier diploma ensures that coaches working in high-performance domestic environments receive elite, standardized training that meets the highest global criteria.
The Pro Diploma is designed to equip head and assistant coaches in professional environments with elite, standardized training. The curriculum targets coaches working across major professional leagues—including the Northern Super League, Canadian Premier League (CPL), and Major League Soccer (MLS)—developing advanced competencies in four key learning areas: The Coach, The Player and Team, The Training Session, and The Match.
“We are incredibly proud to see the Concacaf Coaching Convention expand with the launch of Canada’s first-ever Pro Diploma,” said Jason Roberts, Concacaf Chief Football Development Officer. “This program highlights the immense progress we are making across the region to elevate technical standards and provide our coaches with world-class, elite training right at home. Through our vital partnership with UEFA, we are ensuring that the remarkable growth of professional soccer in Canada is led by highly qualified local talent capable of thriving in high-performance environments.”
The domestic implementation of this course removes a significant barrier for Canadian coaches, who previously had to travel abroad to receive equivalent elite certifications.
“Under the umbrella of UEFA Together, we are currently in a three-year project with the colleagues of our sister Confederation Concacaf where coach education is a key priority,” noted Frank Ludolph, Technical Advisor to UEFA’s football development unit. “Concacaf is making tremendous progress with their Coaching Convention. With regards to Canada, an initial workshop with the national association technical development team, combined with a discovery and evaluation visit of the local soccer coach education structure, led to the design of the first ever Canadian Pro license. It is rewarding for UEFA to see this impact, and we can only congratulate the association and Concacaf for this milestone.”
“We are excited to add the Concacaf Pro Diploma to our Coach Education Framework,” added Jim Loughlin, Canada Soccer Manager of Coach Education, Research and Development. “There are many outstanding coaches working in Canada that have had to pursue this training elsewhere. Thanks to UEFA and Concacaf, these coaches will have the option to pursue this training and certification domestically.”
