Coach/Volunteer Certifications

Becoming a Coach at FC Northwest

FC Northwest is incredibly grateful for every coach who volunteers their time, passion, and leadership. Our club depends on dedicated coaches who help shape positive experiences, support player development, and create safe, welcoming soccer environments for every athlete. Thank you for being a vital part of our community.

Coaching cards are required for all FC Northwest coaches. These cards are checked by officials before each game to ensure coaches meet the standards required to compete at this level. This process is essential in maintaining a safe environment and upholding the standards necessary to develop the game.

Requirements to Receive Your Coaching Card

The following steps must be completed before a coaching card can be issued:

a) Respect in Sport (RIS): This online course must be completed at sportmanitoba.ca/coaching/respect-sport. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate number, which must be submitted to the convener. There is no cost. Certification expires five years from the completion date.

b) Criminal Record Check (CPIC): This can be completed in person at your local police station or online here: Winnipeg Police Record Check. FC Northwest will reimburse costs upon submission of the cleared check and receipt. The document becomes FCNW property and expires after 36 months.

c) Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR): This must be completed in person at the FC Northwest office using the paper CAR form. Two (2) pieces of valid government-issued ID are required. FC Northwest will submit the documentation. You will only be contacted if necessary. The CAR check expires after 36 months.

d) Coaching Clinics: All coaches must complete the relevant Canada Soccer coach education courses prior to the outdoor season.

• Active Start - 3 hours (Players U4-U6)
• FUNdamentals - 7 hours (Boys U6-U9, Girls U6-U8)
• Learn to Train - 14 hours (Boys U9-U12, Girls U8-U11)
• Soccer for Life - 14 hours (Boys U13+, Girls U12+)

Volunteer Screening

The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) is committed to providing a safe environment in which all participants are protected from known offenders or individuals with serious criminal records. All team officials listed on a roster or game sheet must be Child Abuse Registry (CAR) cleared and Criminal Record Check (CPIC) cleared.

Team officials include coaches, assistant coaches, managers, physiotherapists, trainers, and others in direct contact with players. First-time volunteers must complete CAR and CPIC checks, and returning volunteers must sign a waiver each season confirming their clearance status has not changed.

Officials travelling to out-of-town tournaments or CSA competitions must also follow the screening requirements established by the Manitoba Soccer Association (MSA) and/or Canada Soccer.

District Associations oversee adherence to these policies and manage appeals. All appeals must be handled confidentially. Additional inquiries can be directed to the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association.