NJ Youth Soccer and Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) recently hosted the in-person week for an All-Female National C License Course, which consisted of two full days and two half-days of small group activities and individual field work. Coach candidates from 11 different states across the country are participating in this year’s course.
This National C License Course continues a strong collaboration between NJ Youth Soccer and WAGS in our goal to increase female participation in soccer throughout the State of New Jersey and beyond. The partnership further strengthens the impact of the NJYS Growing the Girls Game (G3) Initiative, which focuses on empowering females both on and off the field, and at all ages and stages of the soccer experience.
Please see below to learn more about the instructors from this course!
Heather Pedersen
Heather served as the Lead Instructor for the All-Female C Course that was hosted by NJ Youth Soccer and WAGS.
Heather is a former college soccer player who currently coaches with the ODP East Region 2009 Girls as well as with Virginia State/District ODP. A coaching educator since 2019, Heather holds a USSF ‘A’ License and National Youth License. She also works with the Virginia Youth Soccer State Staff and has served in various coaching and executive roles throughout her soccer career. Additionally, Heather currently coaches with Virginia Reign FC in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Caitlin Young – In Her Own Words
As I reflect back on some of the most influential things in my life, soccer reigns supreme. Soccer has made me a better wife, mother and member of the community. This has turned into my why. I have been fortunate enough to work full time in soccer for over 15 years.
Prior to going full time into soccer, I taught in the local high school and achieved a masters degree in High School Counseling. While working in the school, I was also coaching on the side and climbing the soccer ladder. By the age of 22, I had my A license. This achievement was able to propel me into a dream soccer job and allow me to exit the high school.
I began running a club at the young age of 22. While I was chalking up more failures than successes, I was able to learn everyday. As I figured out, slowly but surely, how to run a club, I was hired on by US Soccer in their coaching education and youth national scouting departments. During this time, I was able to win a National Championship with the team I was coaching. This success propelled me into a job with the Utah Royals in the NWSL.
Since the exit of the Utah Royals, I have been able to help grow the C License as a member of the content working great, scout for youth national teams and continue to run my club, Utah Celtic.
When I’m not on the field, I enjoy time snowboarding, running and boating with my husband and being a room mom in my 6 year old twin’s 1st grade class.