Beginning in January 2027, U.S. Soccer will introduce new Player Development Courses and a redesigned D Course as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting coaches and improving player development across the country. The Player Development Courses are replacing the current online and in-person Grassroots courses (GR 4v4, GR 7v7, GR 9v9, and GR 11v11).
These updates reflect our player-centered approach to Coaching Education. We want to provide coaches with learning opportunities that are relevant to the players they work with, connected to their coaching environment and supportive of their continued development.
New Player Development Courses
Our new Player Development Courses will focus on understanding and supporting players at different stages of development, moving from courses organized by game format to courses organized by age group:
- U6/U8
- U10/U12
- U14/U16
Each course combines approximately one hour of self-paced online learning with a two to three hour in-person field experience hosted by a U.S. Soccer Education Provider.
Coaches can also complete the online modules independently. This flexible approach allows coaches to explore the needs of players at different ages and connect their learning to what happens on the field.
A Redesigned D Course
The updated D Course will build on the foundation established through the Player Development Courses, helping coaches further develop their ability to plan, deliver, reflect on, and adapt their coaching practice.
The course will take place over approximately one month and include two in-person weekends, providing opportunities to learn, apply new ideas, and receive feedback.
To enter the redesigned D Course, coaches will need to complete one full Player Development Course (online module and in-person experience), along with the online modules for the other two age groups.
What does this mean for you?
Whether you are beginning your coaching journey or looking to continue developing your practice, these changes are intended to make learning more relevant, accessible, and connected to the needs of your players.
Our goal is to help coaches better understand their players, make informed coaching decisions, and create environments that support learning and development.
What’s next?
The updated courses will launch in January 2027, with registration opportunities available through State Associations and other U.S. Soccer Education Providers.
We will share more information as we approach the launch. In the meantime, you can explore our FAQs and visit the U.S. Soccer Learning Center to learn more.
Thank you for the time, energy, and commitment you bring to your players and teams.
Your role in creating positive learning experiences is essential to the development of soccer across our country.
