FOCUS MBA equips you with the skills and tools to win in every critical moment of your leadership.
Elite Football Coaches Development Program
Learn from change-maker leaders like:
Les Reed
Elite Football Advisor
Tommy Wilson
Technical Director, Charlotte FC
- March 10 - May 22 2026
- Online, live, highly interactive
- 10-week, weekly 3-5 hours
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Program overview
The Elite Football Coaches Development Program is a professional development program strengthening coaches impact in modern football settings.
The focus is on the realities of coaching work as it is experienced inside clubs, academies, and performance settings — player development, people management, communication, and decision-making — alongside game understanding and training design.
The program builds on existing coach education pathways by developing skills beyond formal licences.
Through live sessions, practical assignments, and guided feedback, you’ll develop a clearer coaching framework and a more consistent approach to working with players, staff, and football organisations.
You will learn how to...
- Core coaching principles across development and performance contexts
- Player development frameworks, including elite youth pathways
- Man management and leadership in football environments
- Clear and effective communication with players and staff
- Game model thinking and match-day decisions
- Training design aligned with performance objectives
- Working effectively within football organizations
Is this program for you?
- Football coaches across youth, academy, and senior levels
- Assistant and first-team coaches in performance environments
- Academy and phase leads managing players and staff
- Active and former footballers
Program format
- Module 2: On-campus, London / November 19-21, 2025
- Module 5: On-campus, Brussel / February 11-12, 2026
- Module 6: On-campus, at Club Brugge / February 10, 2026
- On-campus courses will be available online with live streaming so it is possible to complete the full program online.
This program includes
- Interactive, live lessons in an enjoyable set
- Guided feedback & reflection
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Highly flexible, fits into busy schedules
- Global cohort unlocking new opportunities
- Direct access to professors
- Diploma awarded upon completion
- 10% lifetime Alumni discount
Program director
Les Reed
Les Reed is a highly respected football executive known for delivering rapid, strategic impact across his roles.
At The FA, he led the restructuring of elite player development, while at Southampton, he built a high-performance model that delivered sustained Premier League success. Most recently, at Wrexham AFC, he laid the groundwork for the club’s ambitious rebuild.
His ability to bring clarity, structure, and momentum early in his tenures makes him the ideal leader for this program.
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- March 10 - May 22 2026
- Online, live, highly interactive
- 10-week, weekly 3-5 hours
Browse learning plan
Highly interactive learning built around real coaching situations, live discussion, and applied case work.
- 📈 96% of students recommend our programs to others.
01 | Coaching Identity & Decision Framework
02 | Leadership in Football Environments
This module positions the coach within the wider football organisation. It explores leadership roles, working with staff and management, and operating under scrutiny and pressure.
03 | Man Management in Football
04 | Communication for Coaches
05 | Elite Youth Player Development
This module examines long-term player development and the realities of working with talented young players. Coaches explore development stages, transition pathways, and how to balance performance demands with future potential.
06 | Game Model Thinking & Match Decisions
This module connects game understanding with decision-making in competitive contexts. Coaches examine how game models inform match preparation, in-game interventions, and post-match reflection.
07 | Training Design as a Coaching Tool
08 | Reflection, Feedback & Professional Growth
This module supports continuous development through structured reflection and feedback. Coaches learn how to evaluate their work, use evidence from practice, and plan ongoing professional growth.
Led by leaders who've done it
Tommy Wilson
Technical Director, Charlotte FC
Tommy brings extensive experience in coaches and player development. He previously held senior roles at the Scottish FA, where he worked in coach education and youth development, and spent over a decade at the Philadelphia Union, helping build one of MLS’s most productive academy pathways.
Les Reed
Elite Football Advisor
Les has significant experience and credibility in World Football on all levels and a high profile. He is an expert in Club Strategy and High Performance. He's held executive roles at orgs like The FA and Southampton.
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Learn more about this program
What is the Elite Football Coaches Development Programme?
The Elite Football Coaches Development Programme is a professional development course for football coaches focused on player development, people management, coaching practice, and leadership in modern football environments.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is designed for football coaches working across youth, academy, and senior levels, as well as assistant coaches, phase leads, and former players transitioning into coaching.
Is this a coaching licence?
No. This is not a formal coaching licence. The programme complements existing coach education pathways by developing areas that are often underrepresented in licensing structures.
How is this programme different from traditional coach education?
Traditional coach education focuses mainly on technical and tactical content. This programme focuses on how coaches work in real environments — developing players, managing people, communicating clearly, and operating within football organisations.
I work full-time, is this program for me?
Yes, most of our students work full-time. That’s why we’ve designed our programs to be completely online and combination of live and self-paced learning – so they can work around the schedule of working professionals, not the other way around.
How long does it take to complete?
The FOCUS MBA is a combination of live and self-paced learning, so completion times vary. Most students take between 8 months to finish the program.
Does FOCUS offer networking opportunities?
Do you want to join as a team/group?
More Questions?
If you have more questions, please contact us at hello@focussports.education. We’re happy to hear from you!
Does the programme focus only on youth development?
No. While elite youth player development is an important module, the programme is designed for coaches working across different stages, including academy and senior football.
Is this programme suitable for experienced coaches?
Yes. The programme is designed for coaches who are already working in football environments and want to strengthen their approach to leadership, communication, and decision-making.
Is this programme suitable for early-career coaches?
Yes, provided they are already working in organised football environments. The programme supports coaches in building strong foundations across player development, people management, and practice.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered online through live interactive sessions, applied case work, practical assignments, and guided feedback.
What will I learn on this programme?
You will learn how to approach player development across stages, manage players and people, communicate effectively, connect game understanding with training and match decisions, and operate within football organisations.
How much time does the programme require?
The programme requires approximately 38–48 hours of learning, including live sessions, practical work, and reflection.
Is the programme recognised by federations?
The programme is not a licensing course and does not replace federation qualifications. It is designed as professional development and is suitable for coaches working alongside existing education pathways.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Professional Certificate of Completion from FOCUS Sports Business School.
Is the programme international?
Yes. The programme is open to coaches from all countries and is delivered in English.
Can this programme help me progress to higher levels?
The programme supports coaches in developing the skills and judgement needed to operate effectively in more complex football environments. Progression ultimately depends on individual performance and opportunity.
Can clubs or federations enrol groups of coaches?
Yes. The programme can be delivered to groups from clubs, academies, or federations as part of internal coach development initiatives.
Watch A Sample Class
Learn from elite experts who apply their expertise at elite level football.
High-impact learning
About this program
Focus MBA in Football Management, guided by a faculty of world-class professionals, is designed to evolve into a leader who drives positive change and fosters a better future for yourself and for your organization.
With this program, you will earn two additional Professional Certificates in Sporting Directorship and High Performance Leadership in Sports to create the ideal skillset for the role you want post-graduation—with just 8 months of part-time, flexible study.
Key Benefits
Triple Certification
Earn the Focus MBA in Football Management Diploma, plus additional certifications in Sporting Directorship and Leadership Excellence in Sports.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Covers all aspects of football club management, from leadership and strategy to finance and operations.
Flexible Learning
80% online with 20% on-site modules + option to complete at your own pace is available, allowing you to balance your career with your studies.
Global Network
Learn with like-minded professionals from all around the world, building valuable connections and unlocking new opportunities.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from industry leaders and experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Practical & Interactive Learning
Gain actionable strategies and frameworks that you can apply immediately in your professional role in a highly interactive environment.
Exclusive On-Site Experiences
Participate in immersive on-site modules led by Les Reed, including elite-level guest lecturers and Premier League club visits in London.
Purposefully Affordable
Experience world-class education without the premium price, in line with our mission, we make it accessible for aspiring leaders in football management.
Key Details
Start
- 14. October 2024
Duration
- 8-month, PArt-time
Format
- 80% of Online, Live, Interactive
- 20% of Onsite Module combined with club visits
Tuition Fee
- 6500 Swiss francs
- Join with a friend, both get 10% Discount
- March 10 - May 22 2026
