St. Croix & St. Thomas, USVI – Concacaf’s commitment to expanding coaching excellence throughout its Member Associations has reached the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), as the USVI Soccer Federation (USVISF) launched its first-ever C Diploma coaching programme. The programme is being delivered with technical support from Concacaf to ensure alignment with the standards of the Coaching Convention.
Set to take place across eight weeks, the initiative kicked off on June 1 and comprises two parallel courses: one in St. Croix, running from May 30 – July 26, and another in St. Thomas, running from June 6 – July 27. Each course blends practical application with theoretical training, giving aspiring coaches from across the USVI a comprehensive learning experience. The programme also aligns with the Concacaf Coaching Convention, reinforcing the region’s commitment to standardized coach education and certification.
“Launching our first C License course is a proud moment for our federation. We’ve been working toward this for a while, and it’s rewarding to see it underway. Stronger coaching means stronger teams, better players, and ultimately a better football environment for everyone involved,” said Firas Idheileh, General Secretary, USVI Soccer Federation.
The C Diploma is the entry point into the Concacaf coaching pathway and is designed for coaches working at the grassroots level which is defined as football for all, football that is non-elite and non-professional. It emphasizes core coaching competencies, including player-centered development, planning and delivering training sessions, effective communication and leadership, and safe, inclusive team environments.
USVISF’s C Diploma coaching programme is being delivered with technical support from Concacaf, including shaping the course design to meet Coaching Convention standards and mentoring local educators as they deliver the course content to student coaches. This approach guarantees a high-quality learning experience for every participant while building lasting coaching expertise in the USVI.
USVI Soccer Federation Head of Coaching Education Stephan De Four highlighted the deeper purpose behind the launch, emphasizing its long-term value for coach and player development. “I am very happy to be involved with delivering the first ever C coaching course in the USVI. This course is more than just a certification; it’s about creating a culture of coaching excellence. We’re laying a stronger foundation for the future by equipping our coaches with the knowledge and confidence to help our players reach their full potential,” said De Four.
“Concacaf extends its sincere congratulations to the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Association on the launch of its first-ever C Diploma Coaching Program,” said Concacaf Chief Football Development Officer Jason Roberts. “This initiative marks a significant step in the federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technical capacity and enhance coaching standards. It reflects their belief in the transformative power of coach education and its role in shaping the future of football. As part of our commitment to supporting all Member Associations, particularly those in emerging football nations, Concacaf is proud to accompany USVISF on this important journey toward sustainable football development through education.”
The C Diploma focuses on the non-elite and non-professional side of the game and sits at the base of the Concacaf coaching pathway which includes the B, A, and Pro Diploma courses. The C Diploma coaching programme in the USVI will feature practical and theoretical sessions, focusing on essential coaching principles, player development, session planning and delivery, and leadership. Once successful, the coaches can then look forward to doing the B Diploma, the next step in the pyramid.
