The UEFA coach mentor programme: Learning from those who have reached the top

When Montse Tomé lifted the UEFA Women's Nations League trophy with Spain in 2024, it marked another milestone in a coaching journey that took her from player to national team head coach.

As a player, Tomé represented Oviedo Moderno, Barcelona and Levante, winning two Spanish league titles and making four appearances for the women's national team.

After retiring in 2013, she earned her coaching qualifications and worked with Spain's youth teams before joining the senior side as assistant coach in 2018. Five years later, Tomé became the team's first female head coach.

As part of her progression to the top level, she had the opportunity to glean vital knowledge from experienced figures in the game. Taking part in the UEFA coach mentor programme between 2019 and 2021, she spent valuable time exchanging views and ideas with Patrizia Panico, the former Italy captain who went on to manage ACF Fiorentina Women.

"The coach mentor programme was a wonderful experience from the very beginning," Tomé said. "I was interested in learning about Patrizia's leadership and defensive work. We made a great team because she also asked me about Spain's attacking style of play.

"I learned about football and management, and over time I realised that leading winning teams requires not only an understanding of the game, but also strong people-management skills."

Montse Tomé at the UEFA coach mentor progamme kick-off event in OsloUEFA

From mentees to role models

Today, Tomé is helping inspire the next generation, meeting the latest cohort of mentees as they convened for the first time ahead of the 2026 UEFA Women's Champions League final in Oslo.

"I could see this new generation has great potential and, above all, a lot of ambition," Tomé said. "It was special to talk with the coaches about tactics, values and all aspects of professional football. We need to continue empowering female coaches through these excellent programmes."

Tomé's story reflects the ambition behind the UEFA coach mentor programme. Since launching as a pilot in 2018, the initiative has paired 55 ambitious female coaches with experienced mentors, helping them develop the skills needed to reach the highest levels of football.

The programme's impact is evident. More than 80% of mentees have gone on to earn promotions, whether stepping up from assistant to head coach, moving into older age groups or taking roles with higher-ranked clubs and national teams.

Tomé is not the only former participant to reach the very top. Norway head coach Gemma Grainger joined as a mentee, paired with Ulrike Ballweg, the German Football Association's head of talent development for women and girls. Grainger has since returned as a mentor for two successive cohorts.

Renée Slegers, meanwhile, took part in the 2019-21 edition before guiding Arsenal to UEFA Women's Champions League glory in 2025. Her mentor, Joe Montemurro, was in charge of OL Lyonnes when Arsenal beat the French side in the semi-finals on their way to the title.

In total, four former mentees have gone on to win major European club or national team competitions. Camille Abily won the Women's Champions League as assistant coach at OL Lyonnes, while Sabrina Loderer guided Germany to victory at this year's UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship.

Learning from the best

During the 18-month programme, mentees develop their coaching philosophy, leadership skills and professional networks, while mentors provide guidance drawn from decades of experience.

Across the 11 mentors in the latest cohort, there are more than 1,000 senior women's international matches as head coaches, over 150 games at major tournaments and more than 500 in charge of top-flight and second-tier clubs across Europe.

Among this year's mentees is Sherida van Bruggen, who led the Netherlands to the 2025 UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship title and now coaches Feyenoord's women's under-19 side.

"I want to coach at the highest level, implementing my own vision and values, and helping teams and players maximise their potential through an attractive playing style," said Van Bruggen.

She is paired with Francisco Neto, who has guided Portugal to three UEFA Women's EURO during his 12 years as head coach.

"I think my mentor will be able to help me with a game plan and playing style," said Van Bruggen. "I also have some questions about leadership and how to collaborate with the rest of the staff."

Neto believes curiosity and authenticity will be key to Van Bruggen's continued development: "Stay curious, keep learning, and always lead with authenticity – trust, communication and empathy are key to lasting success," he said.

The opening workshop in Oslo also challenged participants to reflect on who they are as coaches. Through a creative collage exercise, mentees explored their personal journeys, values, influences and ambitions, considering how their experiences had shaped their approach to leadership and identifying areas they wanted to develop over the next 18 months.

There were learning opportunities for the mentors too, with those involved in previous cohorts sharing practical examples of successful relationships, from inviting mentees into national team camps and club environments to using challenging moments as opportunities for growth.

The workshop also provided the opportunity to analyse the UEFA Women's Champions League final, with the group sharing observations of the match and discussing the coaching lessons they could apply within their own environments.