UEFA Diploma in Football Leadership and Management (UEFA DFLM)
The UEFA DFLM is an advanced programme enabling high-performing managers in charge of teams that deliver complex projects to further develop their leadership and managerial skills.
Programme overview
The UEFA DFLM has been designed with the intention of enhancing the participant’s knowledge and abilities in leadership and management. It concretely focuses on strengthening and refining the soft and hard skills needed to succeed in an influential role in the sports industry. A key part of the DFLM is the development and implementation of individually selected projects that are of strategic importance for their organisations, in which participants will work closely with an experienced coach throughout the programme
The 10-month programme starts in January 2025 and contains a mixture of e-learning through four online modules as well as three face-to-face seminars to ensure an accessible and interactive learning experience for all participants all with the aim of developing the participants’ skills and knowledge in management and leadership. The online modules are dedicated to Project conceptualisation, planning and presentation, negotiation skills as well as leadership.
The programme is open to people working both in and outside the football industry. Mangers delivering complex projects in sports organisations (e.g. national associations, clubs, leagues, player’s association) or associated businesses (sponsors, service providers, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
Quick view
Faq
- Who Managers in leading positions at sports organisations
- When January 2025
- How long 10 months
- Where Switzerland
- Price €8,500
- Number of participants 24
- 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.
- Academic certification Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Football Leadership and Management , 30 ECTS credits (for previous UEFA CFM graduates) Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Football Leadership, 10 ECTS credits (if no UEFA CFM)
Important dates
- 01 Jun 2024 Applications open
- 31 Aug 2024 Applications close
- 06 Jan 2025 Programme starts - Opening Online Module 1
- 27 Jan 2025 Seminar 1: 27 to 29 January 2025 (UEFA HQ)
- 13 May 2025 Seminar 2: 13 to 15 May 2025 (IDHEAP, University of Lausanne)
- 25 Aug 2025 Seminar 3: 25 to 27 August 2025 (Retreat in the Swiss Alps)
Programme Outcomes
- Develop a strategic project for their own organisation that can be implemented
- Attain key skills in order to facilitate complex, strategic project implementation within their organisation
- Improve their soft skills in relation to leadership and complex negotiation
- Develop their capacity to present with impact
- Expand their network, by gaining contacts in sports organisations across the globe
Roadmap
This first module of the programme helps participants define the characteristics of a good project and design their own projects within a given strategic context. Participants will be introduced to key management tools including the business model canvas and the strategy diamond which are essential for the development of their projects throughout the programme, they will also learn how to situate their projects within their respective national associations.
Location: UEFA Headquarters, Nyon
Length: two days
The first seminar taking place will provide the first opportunity for the participants to meet their fellow peers and project coaches in person. Practical and interactive sessions will help participants develop their project idea as well as enhance their soft and team work skills. The participants will work together in their coaching groups to present their projects and receive feedback to better formulate the scope and concept of their projects.
This module will help participants in the process of writing a good project plan (structure, content and style) assess resources and understand the basic principles of project management. Participants will learn how to take their project from the business model canvas to then write and structure an effective business plan for their projects. A key aspect of any business plan is presenting it, this module will also cover the importance of an elevator pitch and the tools needed to create their own.
The negotiation module has been split into two submodules, with the first submodule becoming available before the second face-to-face seminar. This submodule provides participants with the core basics of negotiations as well as the different types of negotiations they may have to undertake with their projects. It goes to explain and provide the necessary tools of how participants can claim value during negotiations with different stakeholders.
Location: IDHEAP, University of Lausanne
Length: three days
The second face-to-face seminar is focused around improving the project presentations skills of the participants. There will be sessions where the participants have to carry out elevator pitches and presentations under time constraints to their coaches and peers with the aim of improving how they can present their projects to stakeholders as well as receiving feedback for improvement. A negotiation session will be carried out in which participants will have to put into practice what they have learnt on the online module. Moreover, they will continue to work with their coaching groups in order to develop and enhance their projects.
The second submodule on negotiation focuses on the key concepts including how participants can now create value during negotiations. Furthermore, it shows participants the importance of understanding how emotion and power come into play during negotiations while also going into detail on understanding the dynamics, roles and how to bring out the best in team negotiations.
This last module of the programme will help participants manage themselves (through awareness, reflexion and action) while also better understanding the role influence and safe dialogue plays in leadership. They will learn the key components and different styles of leadership while self-reflecting on different aspects and tools which could help them become leaders. Moreover, this module will also cover the importance of leadership in project management.
Location: Sierre, Switzerland
Length: three days including graduation ceremony
The last face-to-face seminar of the programme will focus around the final presentations in which the participants will need to present their developed projects in front of a jury which is also a key part of the final grade for the programme. A negotiation activity will also take place in teams where participants will have to work together while implementing what they have learnt along the programme to negotiate a scenario against other teams. The seminar will also provide the final feedback within their coaching groups and help them prepare for the next steps with their project implementation within their organisation.
A graduation ceremony will take place in the final evening of the third face-to-face seminar for the participants who have successfully completed the programme.
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