- 08. Feb - 23. Feb 2024
Academy Management and Operations
Unlock the secrets to successful academy management in football, from strategy to innovation.

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for academy staff, coaching staff, sporting/technical directors, and aspiring leaders who are seeking to improve their knowledge in this area.
LEADERS
Learn to maximize management and operational efficiency.
ASPIRING LEADERS
Develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the sports industry.
What will you learn
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.
Foundations of Academy Management
Learn the fundamental principles that underpin successful football academies. Explore the core values, mission, and vision of football academies and understand their significance in nurturing young talent.
Academy Workflows and Operations
Learn workflows, administrative processes, and strategies for ensuring efficient day-to-day operations within academies. From handling administrative tasks to enhancing communication and resource allocation, this topic provides valuable insights into streamlining academy workflows for peak performance.
Innovation in Football Academies
Venture into the digital transformation reshaping football academies. You will be equipped with the skills to foster a culture of innovation and harness the benefits of digital platforms, keeping academics at the forefront of technological advancements.
How it works
Fast-paced courses with a min of 2 weekly live lectures taught by top professionals and industry leaders, providing you with the tools, frameworks, and strategies for immediate impact.
Dynamic Lectures
Develop the essential skills and knowledge with fully engaging sessions.
Learn along with professionals
Engage and interact with like-minded professionals.
Put your learnings into practice
Complete the light assignments to earn your badge.
Meet your lecturers

Tommy wilson
Tommy kickstarted his soccer career at Britain's prestigious Queens Park FC and quickly transitioned from playing to coaching, gathering over 300 Premier League game appearances. After pivotal roles at the Scottish FA, including Head of Children’s Development and Head of Coaching Education, he moved to Rangers FC, further establishing his legacy. In 2013, Tommy ventured to the US, becoming Philadelphia Union's first Academy Director and was promoted to Director of Academy and Professional Development in 2021. Renowned globally, Tommy has collaborated with elite football organizations, and his expertise is sought by top clubs like Barcelona, Dortmund, and Ajax Amsterdam.

gareth jennings
Gareth Jennings is the technical director of the UAE Pro League, technical advisor on the board at Grimsby Town and a member of the technical advisory board of the Welsh Football Association. He also sits on the committee of the Association of Sporting Directors. He has previously worked for FIFA as Head of Technical Leadership and technical expert, as well as worked as Academy Director at Leicester City, Bristol City and Stoke City. He has also held roles with the English Football Association and New Zealand Football.
A learning experience like no other
A dynamic world of continuous professional development along with like-minded professionals and elite-level lecturers.
Weekly Live LECTURES
2-4 dynamic lectures that generates actionable frameworks.
Certificates
Complete courses to earn Professional Certificates.
WEEKLY Cohort Meetings
Engage with weekly reflection sessions built on shared insights.
A Global Network
Connect to a network, fostering new insights and engagement.
Balanced Learning Rhythm
6-7 weeks of lectures, then 1-2 weeks off for optimal balance.
Rich Learning Resources
Pre-session case studies and articles for deeper understanding
Interactive and Energizing
Dynamic sessions filled with interactivity.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Everything is recorded; complete anytime for busy schedules.
Learn with a network of like-minded people from clubs/associations like:












Members
have completed our courses since our launch in 2022.
Countries
A truly global platform with Alumni across 6 continents.
of our members recommend our programs to others.
of our members say that our courses increased their skills.
Hear from our members
The testimonials highlight transformative experiences and underscore the various values of our courses, all with a strong commitment to growth and development.
Ceri Bowley
Global Head of Technical Leadership at Double Pass

“A good starting point for those curious about the role with clear pathways to progress for those who want to continue learning.”
Matt Johnson
Head of Recruitment at Portsmouth FC Women

“The network, skills and workflow insight gained on the Sporting Directors Course has allowed me to obtain a role as a Head of Recruitment for a Women’s team at Portsmouth FC.”
Gabriel Glavan
Sporting Director at Dinamo Bucharest

“Great educational program. From the organisation to the speakers, everything is of great value. The learning spectrum is wide. I would recommend this to anyone in the football business.”
Robert Sabeh
Club Development Manager at UAE Pro League

“The courses bring together accomplished instructors that impart practical knowledge and real-life situations, and a cohort full of experienced practitioners. Well worth the fee.”
FOCUS CLUB
FOCUS for Organizations
A learning experience designed to empower your teams.
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