Are you passionate about soccer and want to take and obtain the soccer coaching license (BEF) and make your passion your profession? You are in the right place!
Taking the step to become a soccer coach is a dream for many soccer educators in France. For this, and like many professions, you will need training and diplomas if you wish to reach the professional level and maybe one day the highest level of this sport.
Definition of the BEF, steps to obtain it, content, price, or even entry salaries as a soccer coach, we will cover all these elements in this article to help you as best as possible.
- Understanding the Soccer Coaching License (BEF)?
- How does the BEF (Soccer Coaching License) work?
- What is the cost of the BEF?
- What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the Soccer Coaching License?
- How to obtain your Soccer Coaching License?
- What is the difference between the BMF and the BEF?
- What salary can you get with the soccer coaching license (BEF)?
Understanding the soccer coaching license (BEF)?
The soccer coaching license (BEF) is an advanced certification intended for individuals wishing to become soccer coaches. This diploma is nationally recognized and is a prerequisite for starting but especially for accessing higher professional levels.
The BEF provides coaches with the necessary skills to manage soccer teams at an advanced level, including not only the technical aspects and tactical aspects of the game, but also team management, sports psychology, and physical preparation.
Here are some official objectives of the FFF (French Football Federation) regarding the BEF:
- Take charge of training a team, at least at the regional level (from U15 to Seniors).
- Independently manage the creation of soccer training programs, including elements related to refereeing.
- Lead a team, at least at the regional level (U15 to Seniors).
- Contribute to communication, promotion, and management initiatives within the club or organization.
- Monitor soccer activities and coordinate the different participants and supporters within the club or organization.
This training aims to develop a deep understanding of soccer, allowing coaches to improve their analytical, planning, and communication skills.
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How does the soccer coaching license (BEF) work?
The 3 main modules of the Soccer Coaching License training
The Soccer Coaching License takes place over several months and includes both theoretical and practical modules. The training combines classroom sessions on soccer theory, strategy, sports psychology, and team management or leadership, with practical sessions on the field.
Generally, the BEF training is structured into three main modules for a total duration of 218 hours:
- First module of 49.5 hours: Develop the skills necessary to apply the sports project within a club or soccer structure, from the regional level, for male or female teams from U15 to Seniors.
- Second module of 137 hours: Acquire the ability to safely coach a team, also from the regional level, including male or female teams from U15 to Seniors.
- Third module of 31.5 hours: Be qualified to lead a team, with the same level and age criteria as previously.
Here is a diagram of the 3 main modules of the BEF:
Summary of the 3 main modules of the BEF
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The internships to complete during the BEF
Future coaches must also complete internship periods in recognized clubs or institutions, allowing them to apply the knowledge acquired in real training situations. A final evaluation, including both written tests and a practical field evaluation, will be necessary to obtain the BEF.
Regarding the internships, they are commonly called “professional placement” and you must account for a total of 360 hours of internship in a club or structure of at least regional level. This internship consists of programming, preparing, and then conducting training sessions during a full 11-a-side soccer season. Ideally, you will set up 2 to 3 training sessions per week.
Here is a summary diagram of the content of the Soccer Coaching License:
Summary of the content of the Soccer Coaching License
To help you prepare for your Soccer Coaching License (BEF) training, here is an exercise you can use, which allows you to work on the defensive-offensive transition while being at a numerical disadvantage, all in the defensive third of the field. This is an exercise used during a training session at Atlético Madrid.
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
Discover all the details and instructions of this exercise adapted for U17-Seniors on the dedicated sheet of this pressing and possession play by Diego Simeone.
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What is the cost of the BEF?
The cost of the BEF is 3,054€ on average, but this cost can vary significantly depending on the training organization, the region, and any additional fees (accommodation, educational materials, etc.). Here is the detailed cost of the Soccer Coaching License:
- Hourly cost for training in the center: 13€ per hour of instruction
- Registration and certification fees are 220€
- The total cost is therefore 3,054€ for 218 hours of training.
Keep in mind that if you repeat, you can retake the soccer coaching license, but you will still have to pay:
- Professional placement support of 600€
- Registration and certification fees of 220€
Note: A file fee of 50€ is required for all candidates for the selection tests, regardless of the results. If you fail, you will have the opportunity to retake the BEF but will also have to pay certain costs again (registration fees, training blocks…)
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the BEF?
To enroll in the soccer coaching license (BEF), you will generally need to have significant prior experience in soccer as a coach.
This often includes obtaining specific prior diplomas, such as the Soccer Instructor License (BMF), whether obtained through the traditional route or through the BMF apprenticeship route, or equivalent experience as a coach. Demonstrated skills in team management and a deep understanding of the game are also required.
Important point: Finally, it is important to mention that the BEF meets all the obligations of article L212-1 of the sports code, thus allowing its holder (the coach) to carry out a soccer activity while being paid. According to articles R212-85 of the code, any aspiring coach must make a declaration to the prefect of the department where they wish to primarily practice, a procedure to be renewed every five years to obtain a professional card.
How to obtain your soccer coaching license?
As mentioned earlier, to obtain the soccer coaching license, candidates must pass both the theoretical and practical parts of the training. This includes passing written assessments, practical field exams, and validating a professional internship period.
The process is designed to ensure that coaches not only have the necessary knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively in real training contexts with players.
What is the difference between the BMF and the BEF?
The BMF (Soccer Instructor License) is the first certification for educators, allowing them to supervise a youth team at the regional level or a Senior team at the R3 level. The BEF (Soccer Coaching License) is the next step, allowing coaches to manage a regional level team (from U15 to Seniors).
The BMF is therefore a prerequisite to take the BEF.
What salary can you get with the soccer coaching license (BEF)?
The salary after obtaining the BEF varies depending on many factors, including the coach's experience, the competition level of the team coached, and its geographical location (community and city).
Nevertheless, at the beginning of their career, soccer coach-educators with a BEF can expect a gross monthly salary generally ranging between 1,500 and 3,000 euros, which varies according to their training, experience, and the employer's financial capacity. As their career progresses, their remuneration can significantly increase, reaching up to 7,000 euros gross per month depending on the clubs and level.
For soccer coaches employed by municipalities, the salary is determined according to the territorial public service salary scale, noting that this scale does not apply to professional coaches recognized by UEFA, i.e., within major European leagues.
Do you want to know more about the training to become a soccer coach or get inspired by training sessions to offer to your players? Check out our hundreds of exercises for amateur coaches.
