Academy Management and Talent

Academy Management and Talent Development

Build an academy that fosters growth.

But, what it really takes to create a productive academy structure?

Tommy Wilson, who built Philadelphia Union's world-class academy structure from the ground up, will guide through the proven strategies to make your academy a thriving center of talent development and organizational success.

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This course offers an in-depth understanding of player development, coaching methodologies, and the operational aspects of nurturing football talent. With a balance of practical and theoretical knowledge, it emphasizes innovation, player well-being, and the creation of effective pathways for emerging talents.

You’ll learn to build a robust environment that fosters the growth of high-quality players, ensuring both their success and the academy’s long-term development.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the strategic insights and operational expertise needed to lead a productive football academy. You will have the proven strategies to make your academy a thriving center of talent development and organizational success.

You will learn how to...

Manage football academy operations with a focus on efficiency and productivity.
Develop and implement talent identification and recruitment strategies.
Create personalized talent development plans to nurture emerging players.
Integrate innovation and digital tools into academy management.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement in coaching and operations.
Build strong relationships with players' agents and families for holistic player development.
Manage player loans to maximize player growth and align with academy objectives.
Create long-term strategies for sustainable academy success.

This course includes

Employer sponsorship.

Group discount

The Curriculum

Through hands-on modules and real-world case studies, you’ll gain practical skills to lead football academies effectively, driving both player success and organizational growth.

Module 01 | Academy Management and Operations

A comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of football academy management combined with productivity optimization. You will be equipped with the skills to manage football academies while delivering top-notch operational efficiency.

Key topics covered:

> Foundations of Academy Management
Explore the core principles and evolution of football academies, understanding their role in nurturing talent.

> Strategic Planning for Football Academies
Learn to develop strategic plans for academy success using SWOT analysis and goal-setting techniques.

> Timeline and Milestones in Academy Development
Set developmental milestones and monitor progress to adapt to changing needs within your academy.

> Academy Workflows and Operations
Optimize operational efficiency by streamlining administrative processes, enhancing communication, and improving resource allocation.

> Innovation in Football Academies
Foster innovation by integrating digital tools and creating a forward-thinking academy culture.

> Coaching Development Frameworks
Gain insights into coaching development frameworks, implementing advanced methodologies that enhance coaching effectiveness and player development.

Module 02 | Talent ID & Development

An in-depth exploration of the processes and strategies behind scouting, recruiting, and managing football talents. This module provides insights into creating effective talent development plans and managing loaned players, ensuring the success of the talent lifecycle in football academies.

Key topics covered:

> Talent ID & Recruitment
Learn effective scouting and recruitment techniques, using data-driven tools to build a strong talent pipeline.

> Talent Development Plans
Develop personalized player development plans that address individual strengths and needs, ensuring players reach their full potential.

> Loan Management & Player Pathways
Master the management of player loans, selecting suitable loan destinations, tracking progress, and maximizing player development.

> Creating Lifelong Value for Talents
Establish strategies that create long-term value for players, both during their academy journey and in their professional careers.

> Relationship Management with Agents and Families
Build strong relationships with agents and families, aligning interests for player well-being and ensuring holistic development.

Who are in this program?

Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who wants to excel now – not tomorrow.

Hear from our students

Meet your instructors

Tommy Wilson

Technical Director, Charlotte FC

Wilson joined Charlotte FC in 2024 as Technical Director after serving as the Philadelphia Union’s first Academy Director for over a decade. He has overseen the development of more than 30 players who went on to sign professional contracts including current U.S. Men’s National Team players Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson and Mark McKenzie. The Scotland native brings 30 years of coaching experience, including stops at the Scottish Football Association and Rangers FC.

Tommy has collaborated with elite football organizations, and his expertise is sought by top clubs like Barcelona, Dortmund, and Ajax Amsterdam.

Gus Williams

Talent Pathway Manager, Wales FA

A forward-thinking and innovative UEFA Pro Licence qualified coach, Gus has made a major contribution to the player development pathway in Welsh football, having spent the past 10 years designing and implementing the FAW’s Talent ID programme from youth to senior level.

Gus Williams is currently the Talent Pathway Manager at the Wales FA following a period of time with Blackburn Rovers as their Head of Player Recruitment.

Along with over two decades’ worth of experience with the FAW, Gus has also held coaching, scouting and football operations roles with various clubs

Unlock what drives success in football academies

Employer sponsorship

Group discount

Request details

Join hundreds of professionals transforming their careers in the football industry. Get your free brochure and program details now!

950 Swiss francs

Payment plans available

Learning is better with cohorts

Accountability and commitment

Enhance your skillset and expertise by integrating into a community of intelligent, curious, and driven professionals who commit to continuous improvement.

Learn with like-minded peers

Collaborate and reflect with a cohort of like-minded peers focused on mutual growth, acquiring and analyzing practical techniques in an interactive environment.

Active learning, not passive watching

Participate actively in the learning process through live workshops and hands-on tasks that challenge you to apply, evaluate, and create content designed to engage an online audience.

You'll learn how to ...

By the end of this program, you will possess a robust skill set and strategies to enhance your leadership effectiveness, drive team performance, and navigate the organizational complexities in the sports industry.

Elevate your leadership effectiveness

Master emotional and cultural intelligence, authentic and inclusive leadership.

Communicate with impact

Develop clear, concise communication techniques and perfect your presentation and public speaking skills.

Navigate crises and conflicts wisely

Manage crises and conflicts efficiently, maintain team stability, and ensure cohesion during challenging times.

Negotiate with precision and power

Develop a structured approach to negotiations, and implement strategies to maximize outcomes.

Empower professional presence

Build a powerful professional identity through personal branding and effective networking, to establish strong relationships.

Strategy from theory to practice

Master the fundamentals of executing effective strategies to drive your organization's success.

Drive innovation and manage change

Foster a culture of innovation and manage change effectively, implementing frameworks and strategies.

Build high-performing teams

Create a psychologically safe environment, and learn to recruit the right talent for right positions.

Key Details

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Tuition Fee

✓ Employer sponsorship.

✓ Enroll 3+ people and get a group discount. Get in touch

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