FOCUS MBA in Football Strategy & Leadership
Taught by experts like:
Les Reed
Elite Football Advisor
Daniel Martin
CFO, RedBird
Gregg Broughton
Sporting Director, Chicago Fire
Our alumni work at
Program overview
Leading the football side of a football club today requires far more than a sharp eye for talent.
Today, a modern football club leadership is about building identity, setting direction, managing departments, and aligning people behind a clear vision.
The FOCUS MBA in Football Strategy & Leadership was created for exactly that.
Designed for Sporting Directors, Technical Directors, Academy Managers, and performance leaders, this part-time, 8-month program combines strategic thinking, organizational capability, and leadership development in one clear journey.
You will gain knowledge to reshape your role, your perspective, and your impact.
You will learn how to...
- Lead with clarity under pressure and build high-performing cultures (HPLS)
- What to prioritize — and what to avoid — in your first 100 days at a new club
- How to build a modern and progressive football strategy that goes beyond words
- How to manage technical operations, departments, staff, and structures under one system
- How to align academy, scouting, data, and performance into a unified model
- Build talent development frameworks aligned with club identity
- How to make decisions under pressure, lead teams, and build long-term culture
- Manage sporting budgets, contracts, and squad investment decisions
- Navigate transfer systems, regulations, and legal frameworks with confidence
Who is this program for
- Current and aspiring Sporting/Technical Directors
- Heads of All Technical Departments
- Recruitment or Scouting Leaders and Staff
- Academy Leaders and Staff
- Active and former footballers
- Coaching staff
- Club Executives
- Experienced Player Agents
Program format
- Module 2: Fully online, 20-27 May 2025
- Module 2: On-Campus, London – 29 May 2025 (optional)
- Note: The London course day is optional to join in person — the full program can be completed 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.
- October 24, 2025
- 80% Online + 20% in-person
- 100% Flexible, possible to complete all online
- Payable in installments
Triple Certification
FOCUS’s Triple Certification is the ultimate skills builder.
In addition to the Focus MBA in Football Management certificate, you will earn Professional Diploma in Sporting Directorship and High Performance Leadership in Sports—with just 8 months of part-time, flexible study.
High Performance Leadership
Unlock your leadership potential, empower your teams, and drive organizational success.
Modern Football Education
Our blended learning journey provides a holistic and flexible learning framework for professionals, combining technical cores of modern football club management with advanced skills in leadership and management.
You’ll go through a wide array of subjects, all focused on leading with influence and driving organizational success in the world of football.
- 📈 92% of students report increased confidence in leadership and management skills after this course.
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.
This module is a specialized module focused on the critical elements of football academy management. This module provides an in-depth understanding of player development, coaching methodologies, and the operational aspects of nurturing football talent. It emphasizes the importance of innovation, player well-being, and the development of effective pathways for emerging talents.
This module is enriched with extensive practical and theoretical knowledge, aimed at equipping you with the skills needed to excel in the management and development of football academies.
Module 7 is a cutting-edge module designed to delve into the rapidly evolving field of football analytics. This module covers the foundational principles of data and analytics in football, exploring how technology and data-driven approaches can be strategically implemented to enhance various aspects of football management, from performance analysis to technical scouting.
The module equips you with the skills to leverage data in strategic decision-making, enhancing both the operational and strategic facets of football management.
This module is crucial for aspiring football managers and directors who seek to stay ahead in the modern, data-driven era of football.
This module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of football governance and transfer regulations. This module provides an in-depth look into the regulatory bodies, legal principles, and specific regulations that shape the global football landscape, ensuring governance, integrity, and fair play.
It equips you with the knowledge to navigate the legal dimensions of football, ensuring compliance and ethical conduct in the rapidly evolving and highly regulated world of football.
Format: Project-based learning allowing students to engage directly with real-world business issues or entrepreneurial ventures within football. The live business project gives you the flexibility to explore an entrepreneurial venture in the football sector of your choice, or to tackle a football club business issue that is critical to your organization, which will help you stand out and deliver real value in the workplace. This is an opportunity to try something you’ve always wanted to do while gaining invaluable, practical business experience to enrich your CV.
Hear from our students
Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who are ready to excel.
Join the success stories
Get your free brochure
Who are in this program?
Below are some of students who already registered in this program.
Is Focus MBA right for you?
- Technical Leaders
- Sporting Directors
- Recruitment Staff
- Club Executives
- Scouting Staff
- Data & Analytics Staff
- Academy Staff
- Coaching Staff
- (ex) Footballers
- Sports Professionals
- Commercial and finance professionals
Hear from our students
Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who are ready to excel.
Learn from experts who have done it
Our world-class faculty of professionals infuse each session with next-level knowledge, insights, and research. Their commitment ensures a transformative learning experience for you.
Les Reed
CEO, Reed Consulting
anna edwards
Managing Partner, EPP
Laurent Colette
COO, Right to Dream
TOMMY WILSON
TD, Charlotte FC
Gregg Broughton
Sporting Director, Chicago Fire
dave slemen
Founding Partner, EPP
gareth henderby
Academy TD, Right to Dream
Jacob Naish
Head of Purpose, Right to Dream
Federico Mari
Chief Strategy Officer, FC32
rodrigo picchioni
Head of Analytics, Atletico
Mathieu Lacome
Chief Analytics Officer, Parma
Martin Preston
Consultant, Premier League
Warren Engelbrecht
Founder, We Guide Heroes
Purposefully Affordable
Start your application now
Grow with peers. Lead with purpose. Join the professionals driving change.
Learn more about this program
At FOCUS Sports Education, we understand the evolving landscape of football management in the modern era. Our MBA course embraces cutting-edge methodologies and contemporary practices to ensure students are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of today’s football industry. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, students gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in football management, setting them apart as leaders in the field.
FOCUS MBA Football Strategy & Leadership offers a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom teachings. Our program provides students with access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and real-world projects to enhance their learning journey. From strategic planning and financial management to talent acquisition and marketing strategies, our curriculum covers a wide spectrum of topics essential for success in football administration.
Embark on a specialized journey in football management by participating in the FOCUS MBA Football Strategy & Leadership Course. Tailored to meet the unique demands of the football industry, this program delves deep into the intricacies of football administration, governance, and leadership. By immersing yourself in our specialized course, you’ll gain invaluable insights and practical skills that will set you apart in the competitive world of football management.
Experience a modernized approach to football education with FOCUS MBA Football Strategy & Leadership. Our dynamic curriculum is designed to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of the football industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices. Through interactive learning modules, case studies, and hands-on experiences, students gain a comprehensive understanding of football management principles and strategies that are relevant in today’s global context.
In addition to our FOCUS MBA Football Strategy & Leadership program, FOCUS Education offers a wide range of MBA programs catering to various disciplines within sports management. Explore our diverse offerings by visiting our MBA programs page and discover the opportunities awaiting you in the world of sports management. Join us at FOCUS Education and take the first step towards a rewarding career in football management.
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.
An accredited Master’s Degree comes with many constraints and expenses – that’s everything we’re working against. We do however provide graduates with the Focus MBA certificate, supported by elite professionals.
We operate independently from conventional academic institutions and accreditation authorities, resulting in a unique business model that diverges from that of accredited MBA programs. Our goal is to democratize access to high-quality business education by providing MBA-level courses at just 1% of the cost of traditional MBA programs.
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.
FOCUS MBA programs offer a wide range of learning content. You will engage with your instructors with live sessions, participate in peer discussions, and enhance your knowledge with articles, case studies and many more supportive learning materials—all from your home or office.
If you have more questions, please contact us at hello@focussports.education. We’re happy to hear from you!
- October 24, 2025
- Apply by June 7 to secure 20% off
Watch A Sample Class
Learn from elite experts who apply their expertise at elite level football.
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
- 14. October 2024
- 8-month, PArt-time
- 80% of Online, Live, Interactive
- 20% of Onsite Module combined with club visits
- 6500 Swiss francs
- Join with a friend, both get 10% Discount