New cohort of promising female coaches matched with mentors

In total, 11 promising coaches have been matched with a mentor, who they will meet regularly over the next 18 months as they develop their coaching skills and philosophy.

Each mentor will also provide advice and insight from their experiences at the top level of football, helping their colleagues to identify the key skills needed to succeed at the highest level and preparing them for future challenges on matchdays, the training ground and in one-on-one relationships.

The latest cohort kicked off their journey with a workshop at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, which included group tasks, individual mentor-mentee meetings and panel discussions.

They also heard from Spanish head coach Montse Tomé on how she benefited from the coach mentor programme and guided La Roja to UEFA Women's Nations League glory in 2024.

Montse Tomé speaks during a workshop for UEFA coach mentor programme participantsUEFA via Getty Images

The UEFA coach mentor programme is designed to increase the number of club and national teams coached by women.

Since a successful pilot scheme in 2018, four cohorts have taken part, creating a European network of talented and ambitious women who can collaborate and grow together with guidance from those who have already achieved top-level success.

More than 70% of participants have been promoted to a higher role since completing the programme, whether moving from assistant to head coach, taking on a role with a higher-ranked team or overseeing an older age group.

This list includes Tomé, Norway head coach Gemma Grainger, Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers and Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle.

An 'amazing opportunity'

Some of the best coaches in women's football are included in the programme as mentors, including many who will be leading teams at UEFA Women's EURO 2025 in Switzerland.

Norway head coach Grainger, Poland head coach Nina Patalon and Portugal head coach Francisco Neto are all preparing for the tournament.

Another mentor is Japan head coach Nils Nielsen, who described the programme as "invaluable for young female coaches".

"The biggest barrier for them is not a lack of knowledge or desire to learn and study," he said. "It is a lack of opportunities. Having an experienced person to help open doors is a massive support."

His mentee, Marelle Worm, is the head coach of Dutch team Telstar Vrouwen. "I hope I get to make long-lasting connections with fellow coaches during this programme," she said.

Tanya Oxtoby, the head coach of the Northern Ireland women’s team, is also a mentee: "I want to be the very best version of myself and reach my true potential, impact positively on others on and off the pitch, and be successful in creating a high-performance environment where my players and team are successful."

Oxtoby's mentor is Marieanne Spacey-Cale, the director of women’s football at Southampton.

"The next 18 months are an exciting opportunity to grow," Spacey-Cale said. "My mentor relationship with Tanya will start from a solid foundation based on mutual respect and appreciation."

Apply for UEFA Coach Development Programme

The UEFA Coach Development Programme for Women provides a path to obtaining UEFA-certified coaching licences through financial support and scholarships.

For more information on UEFA coaching courses and applications to take part in the UEFA Coach Development Programme, please contact your national football association directly.

Applications for scholarships for courses starting until 30 June 2025 close on 31 January 2025.