2027 Convention

Special Topic Diplomas Offered

By attending sessions within a specific topic area, you’ll have the opportunity to earn up to 2  United Soccer Coaches Special Topic Diplomas—an excellent addition to your coaching resume that demonstrates your dedication to professional growth and continuous learning.

The High School Coach: Designing Identity & Sustaining Excellence

Learn how to build your culture, define your identity, develop leaders, and create lasting success in the High School Coach: Designing Identity & Sustaining Excellence.

Modern Trends: Lessons Learned and Applied: From Training to Performance

Learn how to apply lessons from training to match performance through sports performance, technology, pressing, transition moments, scanning, technical training, and creating the right environment for today’s player in the Lessons Learned and Applied: From Training to Performance.

The Women's Diploma: Empowering the Future

Learn how to navigate your future, explore career pathways, build meaningful mentorships, create confident players, and design environments that empower women through the Empowering the Future, the Women’s Special Topic Diploma.

Goalkeeping: Developing the #1

Learn how to develop confident shot-stoppers, master the technical and tactical demands of the position, build effective training environments, and prepare goalkeepers to perform when it matters most through Developing the #1, the Goalkeeping Special Topics Diploma.

Coaching Dynamics 3.0: The Player & the Environment.

Learn how to create environments that inspire growth, strengthen player development, foster meaningful connections, and maximize performance through Coaching Dynamics 3.0: The Player & the Environment.

Coach Development: How to Better Support Your Workforce

Learn how to recruit, develop, support, and retain coaches while building a thriving coaching culture through Coach Development: How to Better Support Your Workforce.

 

Special Topic Diploma FAQ

  • What are Special Topic Diplomas? Designed to explore specific topics within the coaching landscape, Special Topic Diplomas provide an in-depth look at a focused area.
  • How do I receve a Special Topic Diploma? Complete your validation care by attending at least 6 of the 8 diploma sessions highlighted in the program. Then, scan the QR code to upload a photo of your completed card to the Education Team. 
  • Can I recieve more than one? Attendees have the opportunity to complete and submit requirements for up to 2 Special Topic Diplomas. 
  • Where are validation stations? Validation stations are located in teh Demo Hall and outside the diploma classrooms. Please visit the station after each session to collect your sticker needed to complete your validation card. 
  • Where do I turn my validation card in? Once completed, scan the QR code on your validation card to upload a photo of the completed card. This will submit your information to the Education Team for review and processing. 
  • When do I receive my Special Topic Diploma? After the Convention, the Education Team will update United Soccer Coaches profiles with Special Topic Diplomas. Please allow time for processing, with diplomas expected to appear in accounts by February 15th, 2027.
  • Have another questions? We’re here to help! Email our team at Membership@UnitedSoccerCoaches.org

 

Panels

Real conversations happen during our panel sessions. Led by top-level coaches, industry experts, and thought leaders, these panels dive deep into the game’s most relevant topics. From tactical trends to leadership and inclusion, panel sessions spark meaningful dialogue and offer diverse perspectives that challenge, inspire, and inform.

 

Field Sessions

Real action happens on the fields. With not one, but two demo fields in play, field sessions bring coaching concepts to life in real time. Watch top-tier coaches and educators in action as they lead dynamic, on-field demonstrations packed with insights you can take straight to your team.

 

Lecture Sessions

Classroom sessions are where deep learning happens. From tactical lectures and coaching methodologies to leadership talks and cutting-edge research, these sessions are led by some of the brightest minds in the game—including coach educators, Ph.D. experts, and high-level practitioners. It’s the perfect setting to take notes, ask questions, and walk away with real knowledge you can apply immediately.

2027 Pre-Convention Webinars Begin in September

Get a head start on your Convention experience with our Pre-Convention Webinar Series, beginning in September with two webinars each month leading up to the 2027 Convention.

These virtual sessions will spotlight the presenters, topics, and ideas featured at Convention, giving attendees an opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of the educational program before arriving onsite.

Each one-hour webinar will provide an opportunity to:

  • Learn from Convention presenters and get a preview of their sessions and expertise.
  • Connect and interact virtually with presenters before Convention.
  • Discover new topics and perspectives across the wide range of educational offerings.
  • Build familiarity and connection with presenters and fellow coaches ahead of the event.

Think of these webinars as an added educational opportunity—and your first connection to the Convention experience—before you even arrive in Kansas City.

Registration will open soon!