OPDL Head Coaches provide the highest level of youth coaching and development in Ontario.  All NIAGARA FC OPDL Head Coaches are required to have and to meet the following requirements as per OPDL Operational Guidelines - Section V - Team and Match Officials - #29:

• All team officials must have evidence of clear Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) certification that is no more than three years old by January 1st of the current year.
• All team officials must have valid Respect in Soccer certification. 
• Head Coaches shall have a valid standard First Aid with CPR & AED – Level C.
• Head Coaches shall not be assigned to the same team his/her child plays for.
• Head Coaches shall not be a Technical Director for an OPDL Licence Holder.
• Head Coach must be a paid (either full or part-time) coach with Licence Holder
• All OPDL Head Coaches must hold a minimum qualification of a Canadian National B Licence or a Youth Licence.
• NOTE:  The Canada Soccer Youth Licence will be the minimum qualification, in place of the National B Licence, as of 2024.
• Making Headway In Soccer
• Rule of Two 
• Making Ethical Decisions - both the in-class and online evaluation completed.

All coaches must be a non-parent, paid for their duties on the bench, and can coach with a group for no more than 2 years. All of this is to help create a fair and high-level experience for all players.