To be a football coach like other professions, there are levels of qualifications required to practice in the crucial sporting role. Given the high interest in this department, we look at the certifications needed to coach in Jamaica.

There are five levels of certifications called licences that are needed to be recognised as coaches at the respective tiers of football in Jamaica.

Pro licence, A licence, B Licence, C license and D License.

The head of coaching at the Jamaica Football Federation(JFF), Andrew Peart, shared some insights on the respective levels of certification.

The first step in getting into the field is attaining and practising with the D licence or grassroots level, which then develops eligibility for progression.

He also delivered the respective areas of focus at each level.

The certifications are issued by the local governing body Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on behalf of CONCACAF to ensure all levels of local football are at a respectable standard.

Mr Peart also noted that CONCACAF is currently putting into place a “convention” that would allow undiscretionary permits to coach in the countries of all member nations once they’re certified.

There are also considerations in the pipeline for a future standardised cross-confederation recognition to allow coaches certified in CONCACAF countries like Jamaica to be eligible for jobs in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.