Whitecaps London requires all coaches to hold age-appropriate certifications, including MED, RiS, and Making Headway, ensuring safety, integrity, and excellence at every coaching level.
Whitecaps London is committed to providing the highest standard of coaching excellence across all programs. To ensure player development, safety, and adherence to Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer standards, all coaches are required to complete specific certifications appropriate to their age group and competitive level. These certifications guarantee that every Whitecaps London coach is properly trained in player development, safety protocols, and ethical conduct.
Coaches working with U4–U5 Girls and Boys teams must complete Active Start, Make Ethical Decisions (MED), Respect in Sport (RiS), and Making Headway in Soccer.
Coaches of U6–U8 Girls and Boys must complete FUNdamentals, MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
Coaches of U9–U12 Girls and Boys must complete Learn to Train, MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
Coaches of U13 and older teams must complete Soccer for Life, MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
The Make Ethical Decisions (MED) course is a mandatory in-class workshop followed by an online evaluation. It teaches coaches how to handle in-game, training, and ethical situations responsibly and aligns with Canada Soccer’s commitment to safe sport.
At the OPDL level, enhanced licensing is required.
Head Coaches of OPDL U13 teams must hold a National B Licence – Part 1, along with MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
Assistant Coaches of OPDL U13 and older teams must hold a National C Licence, in addition to MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
Head Coaches of OPDL U14 and older teams must hold a National B Licence – Part 2, along with MED, RiS, and Making Headway in Soccer.
Whitecaps London also requires that all recreational and grassroots coaches possess MED and RiS certifications, along with the age-appropriate coaching certificate for their program level.
These requirements ensure that every coach in the club has the technical knowledge, ethical foundation, and safety training to provide players with an environment that is both developmental and protective. By maintaining these high standards, Whitecaps London continues to build a culture of excellence, integrity, and responsibility throughout its coaching community.
