Finishing UEFA C Coaching Course
Ball. Checked.
Whistle. Checked.
Boots. Checked.
Stopwatch. Checked.
It’s 10:12 a.m., 1st of April (yeah, I know). I am going towards my car. In one hand, a fresh print of a solution to conditioning training exercise. In the other, a backpack with training accessories. With the gas tank refilled, heading out for Sesvete hoping that would be the final time to do it. This was the fourth time in less than a month. I was heading towards my final course exam. Training session organisation test. Having passed this would mean that I completed the UEFA C coaching course exam. Last step towards getting a UEFA C licence. Now, Save As, we’ll return to what this exam looked like later. Let’s go to the beginning of the story.
Please, check out the activities calendar
I started thinking about enrolling into a UEFA C coaching course about 3 years ago, in August 2023. Back then, I was getting near with my computer science studies. This felt like an appropriate time to think about what is next. I decided to spend that summer back home, having in mind that would be the last time I would have a break that long. Along with finding a place to stay in Zagreb, needing to move out of the student dormitory, I decided to research more deeply on how formal coaching education works. I emailed the Croatian Football Association wondering when the next applications for UEFA C coaching course would be opened. Unfortunately, I never got the reply back. Being overwhelmed with other initiatives, I postponed this one.
Fast-forward to January 2025, I sent another e-mail basically asking the same thing. This time around, I got the reply the same day. However, they informed me that applications were closed. New ones will be opened in May. Additionally, I got instructed to check their official website so that I can keep track of activities calendar, requirements for the course and the application date.
Applying for the course
Not wanting to take any chances, I sent another e-mail in April. Having been regularly checking their website, I still didn’t see any notifications on the UEFA C course applications. I wanted to confirm that I was not missing anything. The response was basically the same: Chop wood. Carry water. Follow the website.
Finally, at the beginning of May, the applications were opened. Based on the application requirements document from previous years, I was mostly prepared with the application documents upfront. Minimal requirements at this level are pretty low:
- possession of a prior qualification at least at Level 4.1 of the Croatian Qualifications Framework (četverogodišnja srednja škola)
- at least 18 years of age
- a minimum of 4 years of active football playing experience at a registered club
- a medical certificate from sports medicine confirming fitness
- proof of no criminal proceedings being conducted against the applicant
On 6th of May, I submitted online application for the course. Ten days later I sent a list of documents to the official email address. I received a reply on 13th of June. I was told that the application was accepted.
Sign here, and here, and here
Since I was planning to keep on living in Zagreb after my studies, I applied for a Zagreb centre. Additionally, there are four more centres, namely: Split, Varaždin, Osijek, and Rijeka. Since, paying for the course doesn’t include trip and stay, it’s important to pick the closest one.
In July, I got called up for a signing of enrollment documentation. Having a 26 years of experience in complicating my own life, I forgot to show up for a determined schedule. They didn’t mind as long as I paid the application fee until the end of the week. Money talks. 800 € lighter I was ready with the administration part. During August, we had a couple of more exchanges on picking the coaching tracksuit size and when and where should I go to sign that documentation. At the end of August, I hit Sesvete for the first time to do the paperwork.
Let’s cook
By the end of September, they sent the first mail on when the classes are planned to start. At October 6th, I arrived around 9 a.m. at Sesvete training center, that’s where the coaching education is held for participants of the UEFA C coaching course who selected Zagreb centre. For the following 3 days, we had a classes on the role of coaches, and other basic coaching skills. Keep in mind that all of this happens on site, so if you are planning to enroll, make sure to plan to take vacation or some other options you have at work/uni.
