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UEFA Women in Football Leadership Programme (UEFA WFLP)

The UEFA Women in Football Leadership Programme aims to support the careers of women capable of influencing the football industry today and in the future through a powerful leadership training week.

Programme overview

The UEFA Women in Football Leadership Programme is designed for women in football who have the potential and motivation to progress into senior leadership positions within their organisation or are already in such roles. Participants work on and discuss aspects of leadership, while also focusing heavily on selfawareness and how this can support their career development. With the coaching included during the programme week, participants are challenged in both personal and professional aspects. The programme also provides a platform for exchange and networking between participants with a rich variety of backgrounds.

Quick view

Type of learning
E-learning Face-to-Face
Skills Trained
Soft skills Hard skills
Estimated hours of learning
10
Contact us

Faq

  • Who Women in decision-making positions or those with particular potential working in national associations and their stakeholders
  • When Annually (5-9 August 2024)
  • How Long 1 week
  • Where Nyon or Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Price €6,700
  • Number of participants 24
  • Language English
  • Certification Certificate of completion
  • Application We review applications all year round as they arrive; however, there is a specific deadline for the upcoming edition of each programme. When the number of places is limited, you may have a better chance of being selected by applying earlier in the application cycle. You will either receive confirmation that you have been selected within two weeks of applying or be added to an application list and informed of the decision once the deadline has passed.
  • Inclusivity, Diversity and Parent Support We welcome all participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures, recognising the unique value that diversity brings to our community. If you have any uncertainties about meeting specific programme criteria, we encourage you to reach out to us. in addition, the UEFA Academy is aware of the challenges parents of young children can be facing when perusing continuous education. Should you believe it could be an obstacle to your education journey, contact us to learn more about the support the UEFA Academy can offer in that regard.

Important dates

  • 15 Mar 2024 Applications open
  • 12 Apr 2024 Applications close
  • 05 Aug 2024 Course starts

Takeaways

  • developed a clear understanding of what skills are needed for leadership, and how these are reflected within their own professional characters;
  • an increased level of self-awareness and an understanding of how this benefits their personal and professional goals.
  • extended their network and created strong links with women working in positions of authority in football or ready to step into leadership roles;
  • built additional confidence to set and pursue ambitious career goals and fulfil their potential.

IS THIS PROGRAMME
SUITED FOR YOU?

Stephanie Forde

Stephanie Forde

Royal Belgium Football Association
Operations Director in Professional Refereeing

After playing football for 6 years, Stephanie started refereeing at the age of 13. It did not take long before football, and more particular refereeing, became her way of life.
In the process of developing her active career, she started working for the RBFA as a Referee Development officer in 2013.

One of her biggest achievements was working on the implementation of the VAR in Belgium. When refereeing was reorganised in May 2019, Stephanie was promoted as Operations Director in Professional Refereeing. Because she felt she lacked some competences and insights in certain matters, Stephanie strongly felt the urge to fill up this void.
The WFLP helped her a lot in achieving this goal.

Skills

  • Awareness of internal and external customer needs
  • Decision-making
  • Influencing and leading
  • Stress tolerance
  • Motivational skills

Looking for

  • Shared experiences and learning from each other
  • Learning about inspiring people and enabling them to reach their full potential
  • a stronger network enabling a greater collaboration between various federations
  • Developing more strongly my self-knowledge and critical thinking
Lowri Roberts

Lowri Roberts

Welsh
Sports Consultant at Play With Purpose

Although Lowri had worked in women’s football for over ten years, her new role is the first senior leadership role, so she wanted to grow her network and learn from those who have been successful in similar roles and develop the tools to help her achieve in this role.

Skills

  • Coaching and development
  • Marketing
  • Event management
  • Broad understanding of the women's football landscape

Looking for

  • Developing a support network of women who are going through similar experiences and challenges in their own associations
  • Learn from best practice and others’ experiences.
  • To learn how to influence change in a male dominated sport
Urška Končar

Urška Končar

Football Association of Slovenia

Head of Commercial and Communication

Urška Končar is a seasoned professional with experience in management, event organization, sales, and marketing.

Currently serving as the Head of Commercial and Communications at the Football Association of Slovenia since March 2017, she is entrusted with devising and executing commercial and marketing strategies aligned with organizational objectives, forging partnerships, and overseeing financial targets.

With a background as the Corporate Communication Manager at Petrol d.d., Slovenia’s largest energy company, Urška adeptly handles corporate communications, sponsorships, and event management.

Her expertise spans across various domains including business planning, marketing, teamwork, and leadership, making her a versatile asset in any professional setting.

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Business Strategy
  • Marketing
  • Communication
  • Event Planning
  • Management

Looking for

  • Opportunities to further enhance her leadership capabilities
  • Leverage her skills in strategic planning, commercial, marketing and communication
  • Contribute to impactful projects in the realm of sports management
  • She aims to continue her journey as a dynamic leader, fostering innovation and driving growth in her future endeavors

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY

Andrea Hopelain
"Women’s History Month is all about celebrating the achievements of women and what better way for us to do this than partner with UEFA to support this fantastic programme. In line with this year’s Women’s History Month theme of inspiring inclusion, we’re really proud to be paving the path for women within our organization and the wider industry to become leaders in the world of football." Andrea Hopelain GM & SVP of Publishing, EA SPORTS
Nadine Kessler
"Developing a new generation of female leaders in football is crucial to promote greater gender balance in representative roles across football and its decision-making bodies. By identifying talents and providing them with a platform that can unleash their potential, elevate their capabilities and, most importantly, empower them to step up and take on leadership opportunities, the Women in Football Leadership Programme encourages both personal and professional growth. The programme provides a global perspective on the administration of football and ensures that an inspiring network of like-minded female football leaders can be guaranteed across the world." Nadine Kessler Managing Director of Women's Football, UEFA
Ginka Toegel
"We are honoured to partner with UEFA in delivering the Women in Football Leadership Programme. The future of football can only benefit from greater diversity across its leadership. IMD looks forward to empowering participants with the right tools, knowledge and support to reach their full potential in decision-making roles in football." Ginka Toegel IMD Professor of Leadership

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