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
Faq
- Who Women in decision-making positions or those with particular potential working in national associations and their stakeholders
- When Annually (4-8 August 2025)
- How Long 1 week
- Where IMD Business School, Lausanne
- 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
- 14 Apr 2025 Applications open
- 05 May 2025 Applications close
- 04 Aug 2025 Course starts
Programme Outcomes
- 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
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
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
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
