ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to explore a graduate soccer coach education programme in the United States in the context of increased professionalisation of sport coaching. This study suggests that the collaboration between a higher education institution and a national sport coaching organisation can be productive in a blended (online-residential) environment. It sets an example for other sport coach education programmes in terms of implementing a problem-based approach to learning and linking new knowledge to students’ specific coaching context. Furthermore, this study discusses the value of creating a community of practice where coaches learn from each other through reflective practices. Lastly, this book chapter is a call for university programmes to help coaches strengthen their interpersonal skills as well as the need to develop philosophic skills in coaches to move the professionalisation process along.
