02/11/2026
C- Diploma course Updates:
Hello clubs,
Thank you to everyone helping Coaches in the North enroll in this rare opportunity. Canada Soccer has just granted us a leniency on participation for those who are 17 and will be turning 18 this year (so all those born in 2008 are able to attend).
"We will permit 17-year-olds born in 2008 who will turn 18 within this calendar year to register if the instructions are followed within the timelines provided."
1) Coaches born in 2008 and who will be turning 18 within this calendar year need to create an account in www.coachcentre.ca
2) Email [email protected] right away with full name, email and date of birth as the District will have to provide BCSA with a list of the 2008 coaches, no later than Feb 16.
3) BC Soccer will add them to the class list and they will be notified to complete online payment by Feb 17.
** At at this point we still need 6 more coaches to enroll and BCSA has given us a fast approaching final registration date of Feb 16 for having enough to run the course so please pass this along to anyone who this course would be applicable to.
Here are some answers to the questions that came in:
1) If I previously have my C Licence "Trained", but not my "Certified" recognition, what do I need to do?
From BCSA: There is more information coming next week from Canada Soccer to the Provincial Organizations. In the meantime, with certainty, anyone who did not receive “certified” status from the course will need to enroll in C-Diploma full course (the one you are hosting).
2) I got my C Licence before the new C Diploma course, Is it the same?
If you have obtained your C Licence Certified status by passing your evaluation before the new roll-out of the C Diploma in 2024, and you are interested in progressing in the pathway or are inquiring about the new Concacaf upgrade and maintenance, please see the Canada Soccer C Diploma page for more information. Standard renewals for pre-2024 licences are no longer available. Holders of expired licences must complete the upgrade process (online learning plan, but has limited space so don't wait).
3) What does the new C Diploma course entail?
Please see Canada Soccer C Diploma page to find the syllabus that will give you a better understanding of the course. Examples of areas the course covers are: Improving players' individual technical and tactical abilities, Understanding how to develop skillful players, Understanding the characteristics and structure of the game, Preparing clear outcomes for the training sessions, while understanding the different returns for different types of training sessions... and much much more.
4) Who is running the courses?
This course will be facilitated by Rob Csabai who is the Manager of Coach Development for BC Soccer and Neil Sedgwick who is entering his 10th year as the Head Coach for the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. Both are 'A' level certified coaches with Canada Soccer.
Rob's Background: Rob represented Canada at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Canada 1987 and won a gold medal with Canada at the 1989 Francophone Game held in Morocco. He served as a coach of the Canada Soccer’s men’s national youth program in 2010 and as a Master Learning Facilitator and Coach Evaluator for Canada Soccer. Rob's father, Jozsef Csabai, was also a coach, taking the Vancouver Columbus FC to victory in the 1969 Canada Soccer Football Championships. Rob is responsible for the oversight of all soccer development related activities, programs, and initiatives specific to players, coaches, match officials and club development for BC Soccer including the implementation of nationally led initiatives, such as the Player Development Program (PDP) and Skill Centers. Read more here: https://canadasoccer.com/profile/?id=832&teamId=2073
Neil's Background: After spending eleven years coaching in the NCAA Div I and Div II, Neil Sedgwick returned to Vancouver Island. Sedgwick spent the last seven years prior to his return in April 2011 as head coach of The University of Montana women’s soccer program, leading the club to the Big Sky Conference tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Prior to this, Sedgwick spent two years as The University of North Dakota's Head Coach, then three years as the Associate Head Coach at The University of Southern California. Upon returning to Canada, Neil quickly connected himself once again with the National Team Program, helping as a Technical Assistant in Canada's U17 Women campaigns toward World Cup qualification in 2012 and again in 2013. The 2012 team featured now national team players Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, Rebecca Quinn, Kailen Sheridan and Nichelle Prince whilst 2013 featured Canada's national team players such as Jesse Flemming and Gabrielle Carle.
Read more here: https://unbctimberwolves.com/staff-directory/neil-sedgwick/20
5) Is it the same weekend as the Goldpan, is there a way to move it?
No. While it is unfortunate that the Goldpan tournament has been rescheduled to the same weekend in April, we encourage clubs to help provide alternate coaches for this tournament if a potential coach has a scheduling conflict. The C Diploma course dates are established by BC Soccer based on their availability. We hope that participants and clubs will prioritize coach development, as this investment ultimately supports the long-term growth and development of players in the years to come.
Again, Deadline for registration with payment is Feb 16. Please share and reach out with any questions.
Thank you!
NIYSA
Neil Sedgwick is entering his 10th year as the Head Coach for the University of Northern British Columbia, and has led the program to new highs at the Canada West
