DESJEPS: content, cost, and complete guide to the advanced state diploma in soccer

The ambition to become a recognized professional in the field of soccer requires not only an unwavering passion for the sport but also specialized and rigorous training. The DESJEPS with a focus on soccer presents itself as a path of excellence for those aspiring to leadership positions within a professional soccer club.

To help you better understand the content, costs, and specifics, here is a detailed guide on the DESJEPS with a focus on soccer.

1. What is the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS)?
2. How does the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS) work?
3. What is the cost of the DESJEPS?
4. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the DESJEPS?
5. How to obtain your State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer?
6. What salary can you earn with the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS)?

What is the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS)?

The State Diploma of Higher Education in Youth, Popular Education, and Sport (DESJEPS) with a focus on soccer is a level 7 diploma (master's equivalent) that certifies the necessary skills to perform functions of leadership, design, coordination, and supervision in the field of soccer.

This diploma is aimed at individuals wishing to hold responsible positions within sports organizations, such as professional or semi-professional clubs, associations, federations, or even in the soccer education sector. The DESJEPS with a focus on soccer aims to train high-level executives capable of designing development projects, leading organizations, managing teams, and training soccer players of all levels.

The DESJEPS with a focus on soccer is distinguished by its holistic approach to the coaching profession, covering both sports aspects and skills in management and project development. This makes it a particularly suitable diploma for those aspiring to technical director positions, managing training centers, or coordinating soccer development programs at regional, national, or international levels.

Holders of this diploma can aspire to key roles in sports management, such as sports director, head coach in top-level clubs, training manager, or regional or national technical advisor.

How does the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS) work?

The path to obtaining the DESJEPS with a focus on soccer is structured and demanding, aiming to prepare candidates for the multiple facets of their future soccer career. The program generally takes place over a season. The training consists of four capitalizable units (UC):

UC 1 - Development of Organizational Strategy

1. Ability to prepare strategic decision-making.
2. Skill to develop a project aimed at the organization's expansion.
3. Aptitude to engage governing bodies in the project.

UC 2 - Management of an Organization's Resources

1. Mastery of human resources management within the organization.
2. Skill in financial management and resource allocation.
3. Ability to delegate effectively and report progress.

UC 3 - Management of a Sports Training System

1. Skill in designing a plan aimed at sports performance.
2. Aptitude to plan and optimize performance preparation.
3. Ability to accompany the optimization of sports performance.
4. Skill to evaluate the performance project and organize professional training.

UC 4 - Safe Supervision of the Sports Discipline

1. Skill to perform technical demonstrations safely.
2. Ability to execute professional gestures ensuring participants' safety.
3. Aptitude to ensure a safe environment for practitioners and third parties.

What is the cost of the DESJEPS?

The cost of the DESJEPS with a focus on soccer can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the chosen training organization, the candidate's status (continuing education or apprenticeship), and any financial aid for which they are eligible.

1. Expected Costs

Generally, the training fees for the DESJEPS range between 6,000 and 9,000 euros. This fee notably covers educational costs, to which other expenses may be added, such as travel, accommodation, and meals, for example.

2. What Financial Aid and Funding are Available?

Several funding options are available for candidates of the DESJEPS, even for the soccer focus. Here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Employer Coverage: In the context of continuing education, costs may be partially or fully covered by the candidate's employer.
• Apprenticeship or Professionalization Contracts: Similarly to the BMF, the DESJEPS can be completed in apprenticeship (alternance), where the training cost will be covered by the host organization or by professional training funds.
• Regional or National Aid: Specific scholarships or aid may be granted based on social criteria or depending on sports excellence projects.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the DESJEPS?

Enrollment in the State Diploma of Higher Education in Youth, Popular Education, and Sport (DESJEPS) with a focus on soccer is subject to specific conditions, aiming to ensure that candidates possess the necessary foundations to fully benefit from this advanced training. Here are the main prerequisites:

1. Level of Education and Previous Training

• Previous Diplomas: Candidates generally must hold a level 5 diploma (Associate's degree) in a relevant field, such as the BPJEPS (Professional Certificate in Youth, Popular Education, and Sport) specializing in team sports activities, or equivalent.
• Experience in Soccer: Significant experience as a player, coach, or in another soccer-related role is often required. This experience ensures that the candidate has a concrete understanding of the soccer environment and associated challenges.
• Holding the BEF: Most importantly, candidates must already be holders of the BEF.

2. Personal Skills and Aptitudes

• Technical Skills: A good knowledge of soccer techniques, tactics, and rules is essential.
• Pedagogical Aptitudes: Communication and teaching skills are essential to train and supervise players of all levels.
• Leadership Abilities: The DESJEPS trains senior executives in the sports world. Thus, team management and leadership skills are crucial.

How to obtain your State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer?

As mentioned earlier, to obtain the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer, several tests and skills are expected from candidates, including the four capitalizable units (UC) mentioned above.

These cover both organizational strategy, club resource management, financial management, and player and club structure management (stadium, events, etc.). The process requires active participation in training modules, completion of a professional project in soccer, and demonstration of acquired skills through theoretical and practical evaluations, culminating in a defense before a jury of experts to validate the mastery of required skills.

The final evaluation combines written exams, practical tests, and the defense of the professional project before a jury of experts. Success in these various stages, confirmed by the validation of all competency units, allows obtaining the diploma and guarantees registration in the National Register of Professional Certifications (RNCP).

What salary can you earn with the State Diploma of Higher Education with a focus on soccer (DESJEPS)?

The salary after obtaining the DESJEPS with a focus on soccer varies depending on many factors, such as the position itself, geographical location, and the graduate's experience. On average, coaches and technical directors with the DESJEPS with a focus on soccer can expect starting salaries around 2,400 to 2,900 euros gross per month at the beginning of their career.

With experience and increased responsibilities within professional clubs or high-level organizations, this salary can significantly increase, sometimes reaching over 5,000 euros gross per month.