Football Strategy Execution
Master the art of turning strategy into execution that drives cohesion, long-term success, and impact across every area of the club.
Led by:
Vincent Mannaert
- February 03-12, 2026
- Blended, Online + In-person in Belgium
- Possible to complete 100% online
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Program overview
The true test of leadership lies in execution—the ability to turn vision into consistent performance across departments, seasons, and leadership changes.
Led by Vincent Mannaert, whose leadership at Club Brugge (2011–2023) delivered six league titles, Champions League success, a robust recruitment structure and strong financial growth, this program will teach football leaders how to make strategy work in practice.
You will gain practical tools to embed a game model, align departments, maintain consistency over time, and build leadership habits that sustain performance.
By the end, you will leave with a clear framework to execute strategy day to day, creating lasting impact on and off the pitch.
You will learn how to...
- Define and communicate your club’s football strategy clearly
- Build strategic playbooks to guide key decisions
- Align technical departments around shared objectives
- Design systems that drive consistent execution
- Identify and fix breakdowns in strategic delivery
- Sustain and adapt your strategy across seasons and staff changes
Who is this program for
- Senior Sport Professionals (on and off the pitch)
- Technical and Sporting Directors
- Club and Federation Executives
- Senior Coaching and Performance Staff
- Experienced Player Agents and Advisors
- Athletes transitioning into leadership
- Business Professionals moving into sport
Program format
- 2 course day in-person in Brussel, Belgium
- Combined with field trips
- 100% Flexible, possible to complete all online
- In-person event is optional to join — the full program can be completed online.
This program includes
- Interactive lessons in an enjoyable set
- Guided feedback & reflection
- Visits to high-performing clubs
- 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 leader
Vincent Mannaert
Vincent Mannaert is one of European football’s most respected executives. As CEO of Club Brugge from 2011 to 2023, he oversaw a decade of dominance marked by six league titles, four Super Cups, and consistent Champions League participation, including the club’s first-ever progression to the round of 16.
Off the pitch, he secured nine consecutive profitable seasons and grew the club’s equity by €68 million, establishing Brugge as Belgium’s sporting and financial benchmark.
In 2024, he became Sports Director at the Royal Belgian Football Association, shaping the sporting direction of Belgian football.
Here’s everything you need to know about the program.
Get your brochure now.
Browse learning plan
Through a combination of practical frameworks, case studies, and interactive sessions, you will learn to drive early successes, and set a foundation for both immediate and long-term impact.
Key Topics:
> Role Understanding & Immediate Priorities
Quickly define your mandate, assess the environment, and establish early credibility in your new role.
> Communication & Building Relationships
Build trust and political capital across internal teams and external stakeholders from day one.
> Diagnosing the Existing Org Structure
You’ll learn to diagnose what supports performance and what gets in its way.
> Re-Shaping Org Structure for Performance
You’ll explore how to reshape staff responsibilities, build support networks around you, and lay the groundwork for a high-functioning organization.
Key Topics:
> Resilience & Mental Toughness
Lead decisively under pressure by mastering self-regulation, composure, and high-stakes decision-making.
> Organizational & Cultural Change
Drive transformation by identifying cultural gaps and leading people through change with purpose.
> Creating a High-Performance Environment
Build systems, standards, and relationships that elevate team and individual performance.
> Measuring Success & Reporting Back
Define what success looks like, track it effectively, and communicate progress with authority.
- February 03-12, 2026
- Blended, Online + In-person in Belgium
- Possible to complete 100% online
- 1000 CHF | Payable in installments
A global network of leaders
Below are some of student profiles who joined this program.
Hear from our students
Designed for high-potential, highly-motivated professionals who are ready to excel.
Join the success stories
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.
Tatjana Haenni
Chief Sporting Director, NWSL
Bianca Rech
Director of Women’s Football, FC Bayern München
Dean Steninger
Head of Academy, Chelsea FC Women
Michelle Dorgan
fmr. Head of Marcomms, Women in Football
Jacob Naish
fmr. Head of Purpose, Right to Dream
Anna Smirnova
Monteneri Sports Law
Christina Philippou
Associate Professor in Sport Finance, Uni. of Portsmouth
Start your application now
Grow with peers. Lead with purpose. Join the professionals driving change.
- February 03-12, 2026
- Blended, Online + In-person in Belgium
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.