Indiana Soccer recently hosted the U.S. Soccer National C License course at Grand Park in Westfield, IN, bringing together 27 coaches from across the country. Led by Steve Franklin, Indiana Soccer’s Director of Education, and Derek Willis, and Goran Tomic, the course saw a remarkable shift in representation—40% of participants were female coaches, compared to the typical 5% average in coaching education programs.
“Female coaches across the US find themselves facing obstacles that prevent them from taking advantage of US Soccer Coaching Education offerings,” replied Franklin. “Through the Innovate to Grow (ITG) grant, Indiana was able to utilize a chunk of its funding to offer these scholarships to offset the cost of attending a C license course.”
Thanks to receiving an ITG grant from US Soccer, the U.S. Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) was able to fund scholarships for 10 female coaches to attend the Indiana-delivered course. This support not only advances their coaching careers but also provides powerful role models for young female athletes and creates a welcoming pathway for mothers re-engaging with the game in a new capacity.
“The opportunity for female coaches to participate and experience this course with like-minded, female coaches was priceless,” stated Franklin. “This opportunity now provides 10 female coaches with the confidence to continue their efforts as role models for future female and male players alike.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Consortium of State Associations for securing this grant. Coaching Education is so important for all soccer coaches and it’s really special that I am here with nine other female coaches today. It’s pretty fun to think about the ripple effect that this license can have on the state at large. Most of the women here are from Indiana. I think about my daughters who play in Indiana Soccer, and they will look at the landscape of fields right here at Grand Park, and they will see a lot of women on the sidelines and think I can do that too. It’s important that we not only serve as instructors but as mentors too for little girls and young women in this sport.” Coach Rita Lickliter – Union FC U7 & U8 Pathways Coach & Zionsville High School Coach.
Many female participants conveyed that economic barriers remain a major hurdle in pursuing advanced coaching licenses, with fewer resources available to women in the game. The grant directly addresses this challenge by making high-level education more accessible.
“Right now, we are doing the National C Course License. I can be here because of the grant that was awarded to Indiana Soccer by the Consortium of State Associations. And I truly think without the grant and this opportunity, I wouldn’t be here today. I am a full-time mom with a full-time job. I carry and wear many hats, and once I obtained my D License, I knew that I wanted to continue my coaching education, but I just didn’t know how. And this opportunity being here with Indiana Soccer and the rest of my fellow female coaches has brought all this to life and I can see there is a bright future for myself and the generations to come.” Marissa Flores – Chicago Kicks Coach, head coach girls teams, & assistant.
About the Grant
The USCSA received a $180,000 “Innovate to Grow” grant from the U.S. Soccer Federation to increase female participation and provide opportunities for women as athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators.
Course Highlights
- Analyzing the six tasks of a coach
- Instructor-led tactical narratives
- Exploring how coaching interactions influence player behavior
Participants wrapped up with final on-field sessions, supported by energetic players from Indy Eleven Academy. Perfect weather, quality accommodations, and a collaborative environment made for an exceptional learning experience for both student coaches and coach educators.
