The Football Association (The FA), FIFA and Women’s Super League (WSL) Football have launched a new coaching legacy programme ahead of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™.
Designed to run alongside the build-up to the tournament’s final stage in London, the partnership aims to enhance opportunities for new and existing female coaches across England. The initiative focuses on removing barriers to entry and accelerating professional development within the women’s game.
The programme comprises two core elements. A targeted scholarship fund, funded by FIFA, has been established to provide financial support for female coaches pursuing top-tier qualifications, specifically the UEFA A Diploma and UEFA Pro Diploma. Additionally, the organisations will deliver an evidence-based development programme for coaches already working in elite environments, offering targeted mentoring and access to high-performance learning experiences.
Jill Ellis, Chief Football Officer, FIFA, said, “Competitions like this one help us to strengthen the pathways in women’s football and to elevate the entire ecosystem. The future of the game really depends on what we build beyond the pitch. There are simply not enough women in coaching, not because of a lack of talent or ambition, but largely due to limited access and opportunity, and a lack of clear pathways. Closing this gap is essential not only to equity, but also to unlocking the full potential of our sport. This landmark legacy coaching initiative is one of the most direct ways we can have a positive impact.”
Dan Clements, Head of Coach Development, The FA, said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with FIFA and WSL Football through a shared commitment to creating more affordable and accessible opportunities for female coaches across England. We have already seen many incredible female coaches progress through UEFA’s A and Pro Diploma courses, and this scholarship provides opportunities for more women to follow this path and access elite coaching education that will help advance their coaching careers. Alongside the efforts being made to create new opportunities, it is imperative that we continue to nurture the existing pool of talented female coaches. That is why we are excited to collaborate and deliver this development programme, which will ensure that the knowledge and skillset of female coaches develop as the women’s game continues to grow.”
Audrey Cooper, Director of Football Performance and Development, WSL Football, said, “Reflecting the realities of elite competition, this programme will equip coaches with the skills and leadership capabilities required to succeed at the highest level of the women’s game. Tailored learning, mentoring and applied practice will enable coaches to make the step up and build the specific competencies required to succeed in the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2.”
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