On La Senda del Entrenador, you’ll find valuable insights based on my personal experience that will help you kickstart your journey as a football coach or take your career in a new direction. I also provide technical content, including football drills and training sessions, coaching methodologies, tactical concepts, guides, resources, tools, materials, and more. I aim to offer you valuable and practical content to support your growth as a coach.
Start Your Coaching Journey
Are you looking to start your career as a soccer coach ⚽, or have you recently begun coaching and need guidance along the way?
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Feeling stuck in your coaching career? Maybe it’s time to explore new professional challenges to reignite your passion and motivation.
Coach Abroad
Dreaming of coaching abroad but unsure where to start? What options are available? Which ones suit you best? How can you access these opportunities?
What is La Senda del Entrenador, and How Can It Help You Become the Coach You Aspire to Be?
La Senda del Entrenador is a platform designed for football coaches. Whether you’re just starting out or already coaching, I aim to help you develop your career. Drawing from nearly 20 years of coaching experience in Spain, India, and the Cayman Islands, I want to guide you along this journey with confidence and clarity.
The Origins of La Senda del Entrenador: Why I Decided to Share My Experience
I created La Senda del Entrenador to support coaches aspiring to work abroad—whether permanently or temporarily—but unsure where to begin.
Looking back at my own early days as a coach and the obstacles I faced when I first ventured into coaching overseas, countless questions come to mind:
- Did I need a coaching license to work abroad?
- Should I have improved my English before leaping to coach outside Spain?
- Was it a mistake to move to India with just a tourist visa?
- Were other countries closer to Spain where I could have coached as an expat?
- I aim to help you navigate these uncertainties and many others through my experience.
The Barriers That Hold You Back from Pursuing Your Dream
Whenever a fellow coach mentions the idea of working abroad, I always encourage them to do so. Why not? Yet, instead of asking, “Where do I start?” they often come up with reasons why it’s impossible.
Family, relationships, job security, age, and language barriers are common concerns that prevent coaches from taking the leap. But if your passion for football is real, these obstacles can be overcome.
The Key: Having the Conviction to Take the Leap
I firmly believe opportunities shape the careers of most players. Many athletes reach their full potential simply because they are given a chance.
It may seem obvious, but it’s not. Some people believe that players succeed purely by “God’s will.” Really? Would Lamine Yamal be where he is today if Xavi had been able to spend €300 million on transfers? Would he have won the Euros?
I urge you to leave your comfort zone and take that coaching job far from home. This decision could be the turning point in your football coaching career, leading to a future you can’t imagine right now.
What’s the worst that could happen? You return home, where your family and friends will welcome you back.
And the best? You fulfil your dream of making a living as a football coach.
That means experiencing new countries and cultures, meeting incredible people, learning new languages… or maybe even encountering elephants on a taxi ride, spotting an Asian rhino in a national park, swimming with sea turtles in the Caribbean, and a thousand other adventures you never expected.
Now, imagine it’s all within your reach. Are you ready to make it happen?
La Senda del Entrenador Blog
FAQ
What license do I need to become a football coach?
Ideally, you should obtain a basic coaching license before starting your career, although it is not mandatory in many countries. The type of license required depends on the football federation of your country and/or the supranational confederation to which it belongs. In Spain, for example, you must obtain a UEFA C license before legally coaching a registered team.
Do I need extensive playing experience to become a coach?
While having a playing career can offer advantages, it is not a prerequisite for becoming a coach. Many successful coaches, such as José Mourinho, Rafa Benítez, Arrigo Sacchi, Carlos Alberto Parreira, André Villas-Boas, and Jorge Sampaoli, never played professionally. However, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the game and strong communication skills to be an effective coach.
What documents do I need to work in another country? Will I have to handle any paperwork?
In general, the essential documents include:
- Passport
- Coaching license
- Criminal record certificate (especially if you’ll be working with minors)
Additionally, depending on your home country and destination, you may need a work visa. Some countries also require international health insurance before allowing you to work within their borders.
To avoid potential setbacks, it is crucial to research the specific requirements of the country where you plan to coach.
How can I connect with clubs in other countries without International experience?
Start by contacting your closest contacts, including coaches and players you already know. Someone in your network might be able to introduce you to clubs or academies where you’d like to work.
If that doesn’t work, you can email clubs or academies, sending your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in joining their coaching staff and what you can bring to their program.
Do I need an agent to find coaching opportunities abroad?
Not at all. While having an agent can help secure opportunities in higher-level leagues or clubs, it is not a requirement. Instead, focus on building your professional network:
- Within your club and rival clubs
- At coaching courses
- At football coaching conferences
- On professional platforms like LinkedIn
- In football coaching forums