September 14: UEFA is tightening coaching requirements in its women’s club competitions while opening up more routes for female coaches and current and former players to reach the highest level of the profession.
From the 2029/30 season, head coaches in the Women’s Champions League and Women’s European Cup will generally be required to hold a UEFA Pro Licence, with assistants also requiring a UEFA ‘A’ Licence.
At the same time, UEFA wants national associations to create more space on Pro License courses for women and coaches already working in the women’s game.
Associations will have the power to increase the usual maximum course size from 20 to 24, with the additional four places reserved for such candidates. They can also run more Pro courses, with at least half of the places earmarked for women’s football coaches, or run joint programs with other associations as the sport’s half approaches.
There’s also a push to make the path more viable for pro players still in the game.
Courses could, for example, be scheduled during international breaks, in an effort to allow active players to start their coaching careers before their retirement on game days.
Women’s football has already produced a number of high-profile coaches from the playing ranks, led by Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, who went straight from elite playing careers to management.
Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s director of women’s football, said: “Our message is unequivocal: investing in coaches is investing in the future of the game. By combining higher licensing standards with expanded access to education and targeted support, including pathways to help current and former professional coaches and players become coaches, we are ensuring that women’s football has the leadership, experience and role models.”
The changes are part of UEFA’s Unstoppable strategy and build on measures already in place. From 2020/21, senior and youth national teams in UEFA women’s competitions must include at least one woman in their coaching staff.
UEFA also announced that it will expand its Women’s Coach Development Programme, which has supported more than 3,000 women since 2016.
Of this group, around 150 have obtained a UEFA Pro licence.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at harry.ewing@insideworldfootball.com