FOCUS MBA equips you with the skills and tools to win in every critical moment of your leadership.
Executive Diploma in Sporting Directorship
- November 2025 - March 2026
- 4 modules online + 3 modules in-person
- 100% Flexible, possible to complete all online
Learn from elite leaders like:
Les Reed
Elite Football Executive
Vincent Mannaert
Sports Director, Belgian FA
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Program overview
In modern football, success depends on leaders who can integrate sporting ambition with financial discipline, align diverse departments, and make decisions under intense pressure.
The Executive Diploma in Sporting Directorship is designed for that challenge.
Over seven modules, under the guidance of leaders who’ve done it, you will master the critical capacities of a Sporting Director:
- setting the agenda in the first 100 days,
- designing coherent structures,
- enabling collaboration across functions,
- embedding football strategy,
- directing recruitment,
- overseeing end-to-end transfer operations,
- and managing financial risk.
Learning is case-driven and output-oriented. You will leave each module with concrete deliverables — from a 100-day leadership plan to a multi-window squad strategy — that reflect the real demands of the role.
Faculty are senior executives with first-hand experience of change-maker clubs through complexity, transition, and growth.
You will learn how to...
- Navigate the first 100 days in role with confidence and focus
- Design and implement high-performing technical structures
- Build resilient teams that deliver under pressure
- Build a clear football vision across departments and sustain it through change
- How to align academy, scouting, data, and performance into a unified model
- Design and lead a recruitment model aligned with club identity
- Manage the full transfer process from planning to deal closure
- Manage sporting budgets, contracts, and squad investment decisions
- Navigate transfer systems, regulations, and legal frameworks with confidence
Program format
- Module 1: On-Campus, London / November 17, 2025
- Module 5: On-Campus, Brussel / February 09, 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. His ability to bring clarity, structure, and momentum early in his tenures makes him the ideal leader for this program.
Get all the details
- November 2025 - March 2026
- 4 modules online
- 3 modules in-person
- 100% Flexible, possible to complete all online
Who joined FOCUS leadership programs
Built for action
Our blended learning journey focuses on real decisions, real structures, and real challenges.
Each module is designed to help you take action immediately, whether you’re leading your first 100 days, managing recruitment, shaping strategy, or navigating financial decisions.
01 | The First 100 Days of a Sports Leader (in-person)
The first 100 days in a sports leadership role can define long-term success — or signal early failure.
This unique program will show you how to turn that critical period into a strong foundation for leadership and lasting impact.
You’ll develop practical skills in setting clear priorities, navigating internal politics, and making confident decisions under pressure — all grounded in real-world football leadership.
02 | Building High-Impact Organizational Structures
03 | Teaming
04 | Football Finance for Technical Leaders
This module focuses on financial accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning tailored to the football industry.
You’ll learn about the economic analysis of the club’s assets, revenue streams, and cost management. We’ll cover how to create and interpret financial reports, manage transfer budgets and wage structures, and ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Additionally, you’ll develop skills in forecasting and financial planning specific to squad management. With these insights, you’ll be prepared to handle the financial complexities of running a football club effectively.
05 | Football Strategy Execution (in-person)
Great clubs have a clear football strategy and they execute it across departments, seasons, and leadership changes. This module guides Sporting Directors and technical leaders in turning strategic intent into daily reality. From defining your game model to aligning departments and managing drift, you’ll build the systems, rhythms, and leadership behaviors required to embed your football strategy across the organization.
06 | Recruitment & Squad Building (in-person)
Recruitment is a key driver of sporting success and long-term club value. This module equips senior professionals with the tools and leadership approaches to build and oversee a high-performing recruitment function aligned with the club’s identity and strategy.
You will learn to shape recruitment philosophies, integrate data and scouting insights, and lead collaborative decision-making across technical, scouting, and coaching teams—balancing structured systems with informed judgement.
07 | Transfers Operations
Led by leaders who've done it
Les Reed / Elite Football Executive
Former FA Technical Director and Executive Director of Football at Southampton FC. Led back-to-back promotions, developed leaders like Paul Mitchell and Ross Wilson, and built cultures generating over €450M through player trading.
→ Teaches The First 100 Days, Teaming, and Transfer Operations
Vincent Mannaert / Sports Director, The Belgian FA
Former CEO of Club Brugge and architect of its modern multi-title era which he achieved six Belgian Championship titles, one Belgian Cup, and six qualifications for the Champions League group stage.
→ Teaches Football Strategy Execution
Dévy Rigaux / Director of Football, Club Brugge
Oversees transfers, contracts, and sporting operations at Club Brugge. Known for transparency, financial discipline, and a structured recruitment model aligned with club identity.
→ Teaches Recruitment and Squad Planning
Daniel Martin / CFO, RedBird FC
Former senior consultant at Deloitte and Portas Consulting, and former CFO of Al Jazira SC and Financial Controller at Celtic FC. Daniel brings deep expertise in financial strategy, valuation, and governance across global football organizations.
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→ Teaches Finance for Technical Leaders
Simone Lewis / ex-Chief Culture Officer, Right to Dream
Former Right to Dream, Premier League and FIFA executive shaping leadership and culture frameworks across football. Expert in people development and high-performance environments.
→ Teaches The First 100 Days and Teaming
Nilo Effori / Partner, ESL Sports Law
International sports lawyer advising clubs, agents, and players on transfers and contracts. Specialist in FIFA regulations and dispute resolution.
→ Teaches Legal Matters in Player Transfers
Hear from our students
Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who are ready to excel.
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Les Reed
Elite Football Advisor
Vincent Mannaert / Sports Director, The Belgian FA
Sports Director, The Belgian FA
Vincent was CEO of Club Brugge for thirteen years, during which he achieved six Belgian Championship titles, one Belgian Cup, and six qualifications for the Champions League group stage.
Led by elite leaders who have done it
Les Reed / Elite Football Executive
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.
Vincent Mannaert / Sports Director, The Belgian FA
Vincent was CEO of Club Brugge for thirteen years, during which he achieved six Belgian Championship titles, one Belgian Cup, and six qualifications for the Champions League group stage.
Dévy Rigaux / Director of Football, Club Brugge
Dévy oversees transfers, contracts, and sporting operations, stressing transparency with players and balancing sporting ambition with financial discipline. Known for a modern, structured approach, he has driven Brugge’s value-driven transfer strategy.
Les Reed / Elite Football Executive
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.
- Starts on November 17, 2025
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
