How to become a field hockey coach: qualification pathways

Start where you will actually coach

Coaching qualifications in hockey are usually delivered by the national association of the country you coach in. If you plan to coach in one country for a while, the simplest route is normally that country's own pathway, because clubs, schools and leagues there will recognise it. The international federation (FIH) also runs its own pathway through the FIH Academy, delivered together with national and continental bodies.

FIH Academy (international)

The FIH Academy coach pathway is built in steps:

• Level 1 Coach Award (L1C). Described by the FIH as the first step on its coach pathway, for coaches, teachers and volunteers aged 16 and over starting at foundation level. The FIH states that no prior hockey or coaching experience is required. (FIH Academy, L1C)
• Level 2 Participation Coach Award (L2C). The second step. Applicants need the L1C or an equivalent. The online version listed by the Academy runs as 12 hours of live sessions with up to 16 participants. (FIH Academy, L2C)
• Level 3 Talent Coach Award (L3C). The third step, aimed at coaches working with developing and performance players in senior club or national youth environments. Applicants need the L2C or an equivalent. (FIH Academy, L3C)

Course dates, formats and fees vary by course, so check the specific listing on the FIH Academy site before you book.

England

England Hockey redesigned its coach education for 2026 into two courses (England Hockey):

• The Coach Course, for people who work directly with players and coach independently.
• The Lead Coach Course, for coaches who also write and organise the programme in their environment and support other coaches. England Hockey says it adds 15 hours of leadership content on top of the Coach Course.

England Hockey describes the courses as a mix of self-paced e-learning, facilitated online modules and practical pitch sessions, with limited places per course. The same announcement also covers what holders of older England Hockey qualifications should do.

Australia

Hockey Australia runs its accreditations through an online platform called HockeyEd, which covers coaching, umpiring, officiating and sport integrity (Hockey Australia, HockeyEd). Its coaching framework has free entry-level learning, paid courses and assessments for coaches who lead sessions, and a pathway for people who train other coaches. Hockey Australia states that coaching accreditations expire after three years and that, from 1 July 2026, its Development-level courses and above are being replaced with FIH Academy equivalents (Hockey Australia, accreditations).

United States

USA Field Hockey offers a certification programme in levels (USA Field Hockey, certification):

• Level 1: an online course plus an in-person instructional clinic.
• Level 2: builds on Level 1, again online plus in person; Level 1 is required.
• Level 3: described as the highest certification it currently offers, a blended practical course; Level 2 is required.

USA Field Hockey also states that SafeSport training and background screening are required for adult members and are included in its coach membership (USA Field Hockey, coach membership).

How to choose

1. Decide which country and which level of player you will coach in the next two years.
2. Check what clubs in that country ask for in their adverts. Many name a specific qualification or "equivalent".
3. Take the entry course from that country's association, or the FIH Academy course if you move between countries.
4. Keep your safeguarding check and first-aid training current alongside the coaching qualification. These are often separate requirements; see hiring a club coach for the checks clubs commonly run.