Professional Diploma_Women’s Football Directorship Program Online Course_FOCUS Sports Education
Professional Diploma
14 April - 24 May

Women's Football Directorship Program

Gain the strategical skills to excel as an impactful technical leader in women’s football.

Taught by top pros like:

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Tatjana Haenni

Chief Sporting Director · National Women's Soccer League

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Dean Steninger

Head of Academy, Chelsea FC Women

Professional Diploma_Women’s Football Directorship Program Online Course_FOCUS Sports Education

Our Alumni Work At 

Program overview

The landscape of women’s football is evolving, and clubs need strategic leaders who can build sustainable models that drive success.

The Professional Diploma in Women’s Football Directorship is built specifically for this game’s dynamics—designed to equip you with the expertise to shape club identity, optimize recruitment, ensure financial sustainability, and develop talent pathways.

Led by industry leaders and filled with real-world practices and actionable strategies, in this diploma program, you will master the key drivers of a successful technical management in women’s football.

You will learn how to...

Learn from industry leaders, gain actionable frameworks, and apply your knowledge through a real-world club assessment project.

This program includes

Who is this program for

Women's Football Directorship Professional Diploma Program Master the key drivers of a successful technical management in women’s football.

Browse learning plan

In this unique learning journey, you will go through lectures, weekly live meetings, and numerous case studies that will enrich your learning.

01 | Leadership and Building High-Performing Teams

This module lays the groundwork for effective leadership and team building in the sporting arena. 

Through live lectures and interactive sessions, you will gain the skills and insights needed to communicate with impact, enhance EQ, structure high-performing departments and foster a culture of success within your organizations.

In this module, you will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Cultivating a strong team culture and maximizing its impact.
  • Mastering effective communication both internally and externally.
  • Understanding emotional intelligence and its influence on leadership.
  • Structuring departments for optimal performance.
  • Strategic approaches to staff recruitment for building high-performing teams.
02 | The Business of Women’s Football

This module explores the global market, economic drivers, and revenue strategies in women’s football. You will learn in-depth about sponsorship trends, broadcasting rights, fan engagement, and financial sustainability.

In this module, you will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Recognize key stakeholders and governance structures.
  • Understand the global market and growth opportunities.
  • Assess the impact of corporate, government, and governing body investments.
  • Identify key revenue drivers for clubs and leagues.
  • Learn best practices for securing investment and increasing market value.
  • Analyze the financial impact of media rights and sponsorships.
  • Explore broadcasting and digital media’s role in financial sustainability.
03 | Sporting Strategy & Management

You will learn how to build a strategic foundation for football operations, ensuring alignment between club identity, recruitment, and player development. This module focuses on creating a Club DNA, designing a sustainable sporting structure, and implementing strategies that drive long-term success.

In this module, participants will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Build and implement a Club DNA that supports long-term success.
  • Building a cohesive sporting strategy that integrates club vision and operational structures.
  • Continuously evaluating and refining sporting strategy for long-term success.

04 | Scouting & Recruitment Strategy

You will learn how to build and manage efficient scouting and recruitment structures, develop data-driven recruitment strategies, and integrate modern analytics and technology to enhance talent identification and player acquisition.

In this module, you will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Ability to build and optimize a club’s recruitment structure.
  • Proficiency in developing recruitment strategies tailored to team objectives.
  • Understanding of modern scouting tools and analytics platforms used in professional football.
  • Capability to integrate data-driven insights into recruitment decisions.
  • Enhanced ability to align recruitment policies with financial constraints and long-term planning.
 

05 | Academy & Player Development

In this module, you’ll learn how clubs can build and sustain high-performance youth academies, create structured development pathways for young players, and implement effective transition models from youth to senior football.

In this module, participants will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Establish and optimize an academy structure tailored to club objectives.
  • Develop individualized player development plans that enhance long-term growth.
  • Understand youth-first team integration models, ensuring young players can transition successfully.
  • Knowledge of talent monitoring systems.

This module covers the legal complexities of player transfers and contracts, alongside financial planning, budgeting, and salary structures. You will gain the knowledge needed to navigate complex financial regulations, optimize club resources, and mitigate legal risks while ensuring compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and domestic football regulations.

In this module, participants will walk away with key learnings including:

  • Assess legal risks and opportunities in transfer negotiations and club transactions.
  • Structure financial plans and budgets that ensure financial sustainability in women’s football.
  • Mastery of salary structuring, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
  • Understanding of how to balance financial sustainability with competitive performance.
  • Enhanced capability to handle sponsorship agreements, financial reporting, and cash flow management.

Join the success stories

The ongoing success of our graduates proves the high impact of our programs.

Get your free brochure

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Meet your lecturers

Your esteemed lecturers are change-makers in the football industry who are committed to
empowering you with the essential skills and knowledge.

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Tatjana Haenni

Chief Sporting Director, NWSL

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Dean Steninger

Head of Academy, Chelsea FC Women

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Jacob Naish

fmr. Head of Purpose, Right to Dream

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Michelle Dorgan

fmr. Head of Marcomms, Women in Football

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Anna Smirnova

Monteneri Sports Law

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Christina Philippou

Associate Professor in Sport Finance, Uni. of Portsmouth

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Tatjana Haenni

Chief Sporting Director, NWSL

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Bianca Rech

Director Women’s Football, FC Bayern München

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Dean Steninger

Head of Academy, Chelsea FC Women

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Jacob Naish

fmr. Head of Purpose, Right to Dream

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Michelle Dorgan

fmr. Head of Marcomms, Women in Football

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Anna Smirnova

Monteneri Sports Law

Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program

Christina Philippou

Associate Professor in Sport Finance, Uni. of Portsmouth

Hear from our students

Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who are ready to excel.

Laura Casanovas Diaz Footballer FC Viktoria Berlin-Testimonial-Mini MBA Sporting Directorship
Matt Johnson Head of RecruItment Portsmouth FC Women_testimonial_FOCUS Sports Education
Richard Gunney Director of Scouting & Roster Development NJNY Gotham

A global network of leaders

Below are some of student profiles who have joined our technical leadership programs.

First Team Scout
Global Lead of Technical Leadership
Head of Recruitment
Club Development Manager
Vice President of Sporting
Head of Emerging Talents
Head of Football Operations
Chief Soccer Officer
Academy Coach
Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program
Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program
Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program
Professional Diploma 14 April - 24 May Women's Football Directorship Program
Academy Scout
Academy Technical Director
Academy Director
Director of Performance
Director of Football
Director of Scouting
Head of Analysis
Performance Analyst
Recruitment Manager Women's

Purposefully Affordable

In line with our mission, we deliver world-class education at accessible prices – and in flexible ways.

✓ Installment plan available. Get in touch

✓ Employer sponsorship. Convince your manager by using this template.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

Women’s Football Directorship program is designed for sporting directors, technical directors, head coaches, club executives, and professionals in football operations, scouting, and player development. It is also suitable for former players transitioning into leadership roles.

What will I gain from this diploma?

You will develop expertise in sporting strategy, recruitment, financial planning, legal frameworks, and leadership, equipping you to make strategic decisions and drive growth in women’s football.

How is the program structured?

This is a 100% online course with a curriculum covering six modules, each focusing on key aspects of women’s football management. The program combines theoretical learning, case studies, and a final group project where you analyze a real club and present your recommendations.

What is the final group project?

You and your peers will conduct a holistic assessment of a women’s football club, identify strengths and weaknesses, and propose a targeted intervention plan. The project concludes with a presentation to the Program Director.

How much time will I need to commit?

This is a fast-paced, professional-level program, designed to be manageable for working professionals. Expect to dedicate a 3-4 hours per week for lessons and the final project.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, upon successful completion, you will receive a Professional Diploma in Women’s Football Directorship, certifying your expertise in strategic and technical leadership in women’s football.

How can I apply?

Start your application through the application form on this page or feel free to write us at hello@focussports.education

Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.

Start your application now

Join a global network of professionals shaping the future of women’s football.

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