What coaching qualification do I need for my age group?
Rule- Northern Ireland
- Irish FA
- Youth Football Framework
- Small-sided games
- Under 6-Under 18
- AccessNI
- 2026/27
- Coaches
These are the Irish FA's minimum coach education requirements for youth football (not NIFL academies):
| Players' age | Format | Outfield coach minimum | Goalkeeper coach minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3v3 | Irish FA Introduction to Grassroots Football | None set |
| 7 | 3v3 | Irish FA National Coaching Certificate (NCC) | None set |
| 8-11 | 5v5 and 7v7 | Irish FA National Coaching Certificate (NCC) | Irish FA Grassroots Introduction to Goalkeeping |
| 12-18 | 9v9 and 11v11 | UEFA C Diploma | Irish FA NCC - Goalkeeping |
NIFL academy teams need higher awards, from the UEFA B Youth Diploma up to the UEFA A Diploma at 18.
Added 21 Oct 2026