Working in football: Advice from women to women
Friday, August 15, 2025
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Thirty-six remarkable women holding senior and decision-making roles at federations, leagues, clubs and other football organisations came together in Lausanne, Switzerland, to share what it means to be a woman in the game and to shape its future.
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"Together, we are rewriting the story of football leadership. Your voice really matters. Use it boldly."
That’s just one of the many powerful reflections shared by participants of the UEFA Women in Football Leadership Programme (WFLP) 2025, held earlier this month at the IMD campus in Lausanne (Switzerland). When asked to offer one piece of advice to women entering the world of football, their responses were bold, honest and deeply personal - a reflection of the transformative experience the programme offers.
Now in its 11th year, the WFLP is more than a leadership course; it’s a catalyst for change.
Developing leaders, driving change
Run by the UEFA Academy in collaboration with IMD Business School, the UEFA WFLP is designed to support women working in football who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Whether they come from federations, leagues, clubs or global football bodies, the 36 participants selected each year represent the future of the game and a growing network of women committed to shaping it.
The programme blends executive education, coaching, peer learning and is backed by presenting partner EA Sports FC. Its curriculum focuses on developing strategic leadership, personal confidence and resilience in a male-dominated industry. The course also features insightful panel discussions with Laura McAllister, UEFA Vice President and Executive Committee member and Andrea Hopelain, Global Marketing and Commercial Executive at EA Sports.
"What’s one piece of advice you would give to women entering the world of football?"
Throughout the week, we asked participants to give their advice for women working in the game. Here’s what they shared:
"Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. If someone told you you did a great job, believe them."
"Start behaving now like you’re already at the level above your current title."
"Don’t doubt that you belong."
"Always stay in the room where decisions are being made and raise your voice."
"Be bold and then challenge yourself to say: what would be bolder?"
These are not just words; they’re lived experiences, formed through years of navigating complex environments, often as the only woman in the room. This programme gave them the space to reflect, be challenged, and connect with others on the same path.
The UEFA Academy’s role
The Women in Football Leadership Programme is one of several flagship initiatives led by the UEFA Academy, whose mission is to equip football professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead at every level of the game. Through targeted executive programmes in governance, management and player development, the Academy provides learning rooted in the evolving realities of modern football.
"The WFLP has become a key pillar in our commitment to building more diverse, inclusive and effective leadership across European football," said Thomas Junod, Head of the UEFA Academy. "It’s about creating pathways for talented women to lead with confidence and impact."
Interested in the WFLP?
Applications for the 2026 edition are now open to all women holding senior and decision-making position in sports. Visit: https://uefaacademy.com/courses/wflp/ to learn more.