Canada Soccer announces Concacaf Pro Diploma

Canada Soccer is pleased to announce the inaugural delivery of the Concacaf Pro Diploma in Canada beginning in May 2026. Aligning to Concacaf’s recent announcement of the Pro Licensing Program in collaboration with UEFA through the UEFA Together initiative, this pilot Pro Diploma delivery will be overseen by UEFA Coach Developers, John Peacock and Dany Ryser, alongside Concacaf and Canada Soccer Coach Educators. With the continued growth of professional soccer in Canada, the Pro Diploma ensures coaches in professional environments have appropriate training and completes the Concacaf Coaching Convention pathway in Canada.

“We are excited to add the Concacaf Pro Diploma to our Coach Education Framework. There are many outstanding coaches working in Canada that have had to pursue this training elsewhere. Thanks to UEFA and Concacaf these coaches will have the option to pursue this training and certification domestically.” ​
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​- Jim Loughlin, Manager of Coach Education, Research and Development ​

Targeting head and assistant coaches in professional leagues, including the Northern Super League, Canadian Premier League, and Major League Soccer, the workshop develops the advanced competencies required to lead professional teams, create high-performance cultures, and apply club philosophies and game models across the four key learning areas of The Coach, The Player and Team, The Training Session, and The Match.

“Concacaf is proud to support Canada Soccer as it delivers the inaugural Concacaf Pro Diploma in Canada, a major step forward for elite coach development in our region. As professional football continues to grow across Canada, it’s essential that coaches have access to world-class training and a clear pathway to the highest qualification—right here at home. ​ ​
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​- Jason Roberts, Chief Football Development Officer, Concacaf

"Under the umbrella of UEFA Together, we are currently in a three-year project with the colleagues of our sister Confederation Concacaf where coach education is a key priority. Concacaf is making tremendous progress with their Coaching Convention. With regards to Canada, an initial workshop with the national association technical development team, combined with a discovery and evaluation visit of the local soccer coach education structure, led to the design of the first ever Canadian Pro licence. Its roll-out will be accompanied by very experienced UEFA Technical experts John Peacock and Dany Ryser. It is rewarding for UEFA to see this impact. And we can only congratulate the association and Concacaf for this milestone." ​
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​- Frank Ludolph, Technical Advisor – Football Division, UEFA

Full information on the Pro Diploma is available here. To apply for the 2026/27 Concacaf Pro Diploma, click here.

In addition to candidates, Canada Soccer is also soliciting applications for Coach Developers for the Pro Diploma. For additional position details and to apply, click here.