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UEFA Diploma in Football Leadership and Management (UEFA DFLM)

The UEFA DFLM is an advanced programme enabling high-performing managers in charge of teams that deliver complex projects to further develop their leadership and managerial skills.

Programme overview

The UEFA DFLM has been designed with the intention of enhancing the participant’s knowledge and abilities in leadership and management. It concretely focuses on strengthening and refining the soft and hard skills needed to succeed in an influential role in the sports industry. A key part of the DFLM is the development and implementation of  individually selected projects that are of strategic importance for their organisations, in which participants will work closely with an experienced coach throughout the programme

The 10-month programme starts in December 2023 and contains a mixture of e-learning through four online modules as well as three face-to-face seminars to ensure an accessible and interactive learning experience for all participants all with the aim of developing the participants’ skills and knowledge in management and leadership. The online modules are dedicated to Project conceptualisation, planning and presentation, negotiation skills as well as leadership.

The programme is open to people working both in and outside the football industry. Mangers delivering complex projects in sports organisations (e.g. national associations, clubs, leagues, player’s association) or associated businesses (sponsors, service providers, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

Quick view

Type of learning
E-learning Face-to-Face
Skills Trained
Soft skills Hard skills
Estimated hours of learning
500
Contact us

Faq

  • Who Managers in leading positions at sports organisations
  • When December 2023
  • How long 10 months
  • Where Switzerland
  • Price €8,500
  • Number of participants 24
  • Academic certification Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Football Leadership and Management , 30 ECTS credits (for previous UEFA CFM graduates) Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Football Leadership, 10 ECTS credits (if no UEFA CFM)
  • Application We review applications all year round as they arrive; however, there is a specific deadline for the upcoming edition of each programme. When the number of places is limited, you may have a better chance of being selected by applying earlier in the application cycle. You will either receive confirmation that you have been selected within two weeks of applying or be added to an application list and informed of the decision once the deadline has passed.
  • Inclusivity, Diversity and Parent Support We welcome all participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures, recognising the unique value that diversity brings to our community. If you have any uncertainties about meeting specific programme criteria, we encourage you to reach out to us. in addition, the UEFA Academy is aware of the challenges parents of young children can be facing when perusing continuous education. Should you believe it could be an obstacle to your education journey, contact us to learn more about the support the UEFA Academy can offer in that regard.

Important dates

  • 15 Aug 2023 Applications open
  • 07 Oct 2023 Applications close
  • 15 Dec 2023 Programme starts - Opening Online Module 1
  • 08 Jan 2024 Seminar 1: 8 to 10 January 2024 (UEFA HQ)
  • 30 Apr 2024 Seminar 2: 30 April – 2 May 2024 (IDHEAP, University of Lausanne)
  • 27 Aug 2024 Seminar 3: 27 to 29 August 2024 (Retreat in the Swiss Alps)

Takeaways

  • Develop a strategic project for their own organisation that can be implemented
  • Attain key skills in order to facilitate complex, strategic project implementation within their organisation
  • Improve their soft skills in relation to leadership and complex negotiation
  • Develop their capacity to present with impact
  • Expand their network, by gaining contacts in sports organisations across the globe

Roadmap

1. Online module 1 Project conceptualisation

This first module of the programme helps participants define the characteristics of a good project and design their own projects within a given strategic context. Participants will be introduced to key management tools including the business model canvas and the strategy diamond which are essential for the development of their projects throughout the programme, they will also learn how to situate their projects within their respective national associations.

Online module 1
2. Face-to-face seminar 1 From idea to project - 8 to 10 January 2024

Location: UEFA Headquarters, Nyon

Length: two days

The first seminar taking place will provide the first opportunity for the participants to meet their fellow peers and project coaches in person. Practical and interactive sessions will help participants develop their project idea as well as enhance their soft and team work skills. The participants will work together in their coaching groups to present their projects and receive feedback to better formulate the scope and concept of their projects.

Face-to-face seminar 1
3. Online module 2 Project planning & presentation

This module will help participants in the process of writing a good project plan (structure, content and style) assess resources and understand the basic principles of project management. Participants will learn how to take their project from the business model canvas to then write and structure an effective business plan for their projects. A key aspect of any business plan is presenting it, this module will also cover the importance of an elevator pitch and the tools needed to create their own.

Online module 2
4. Online module 3 Negotiation (1/2)

The negotiation module has been split into two submodules, with the first submodule becoming available before the second face-to-face seminar. This submodule provides participants with the core basics of negotiations as well as the different types of negotiations they may have to undertake with their projects. It goes to explain and provide the necessary tools of how participants can claim value during negotiations with different stakeholders.

Online module 3
5. Face-to-face seminar 2 Work in progress - 30 April to 2 May 2024

Location: IDHEAP, University of Lausanne

Length: three days

The second face-to-face seminar is focused around improving the project presentations skills of the participants. There will be sessions where the participants have to carry out elevator pitches and presentations under time constraints to their coaches and peers with the aim of improving how they can present their projects to stakeholders as well as receiving feedback for improvement. A negotiation session will be carried out in which participants will have to put into practice what they have learnt on the online module. Moreover, they will continue to work with their coaching groups in order to develop and enhance their projects.

Face-to-face seminar 2
6. Online module 3 Negotiation (2/2)

The second submodule on negotiation focuses on the key concepts including how participants can now create value during negotiations. Furthermore, it shows participants the importance of understanding how emotion and power come into play during negotiations while also going into detail on understanding the dynamics, roles and how to bring out the best in team negotiations.

Online module 3
7. Online module 4 Leadership

This last module of the programme will help participants manage themselves (through awareness, reflexion and action) while also better understanding the role influence and safe dialogue plays in leadership. They will learn the key components and different styles of leadership while self-reflecting on different aspects and tools which could help them become leaders. Moreover, this module will also cover the importance of leadership in project management.

Online module 4
8. Face-to-face seminar 3 Towards implementation - 27 to 29 August 2024

Location: Sierre, Switzerland

Length: three days including graduation ceremony

The last face-to-face seminar of the programme will focus around the final presentations in which the participants will need to present their developed projects in front of a jury which is also a key part of the final grade for the programme. A negotiation activity will also take place in teams where participants will have to work together while implementing what they have learnt along the programme to negotiate a scenario against other teams. The seminar will also provide the final feedback within their coaching groups and help them prepare for the next steps with their project implementation within their organisation.

Face-to-face seminar 3
9. Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony will take place in the final evening of the third face-to-face seminar for the participants who have successfully completed the programme.

Graduation Ceremony

What our students and experts say

Abdulla Mubarak
"The DFLM course was an exceptional experience that surpassed all my expectations. Its focus on practical football issues in a work environment and the expertise of the speakers made it truly enriching. I'm confident the knowledge gained, along with the valuable emphasis on leadership skills, will have a significant impact on my approach to football management." Abdulla Mubarak Acting Club Licensing Manager, UAE Pro League
Diana Bulgaru
""A leader is one who knows their way, goes the way and shows the way” and the DFLM course by practice exercises guide us, discover our strengths and help us improve our weaknesses. It is a great mixture of theoretical and practical sessions, developing strategic thinking that a leader must have and the experts from all over the world help us not only develop, improve our projects but expand our skills in communication, negotiation and presentation of the projects that are extremely important in the football industry. I truly believe that this course will educate the new era of influential leaders that the sports industry is in need of nowadays." Diana Bulgaru Grassroots Manager at the Football Association of Moldova
Mariet Louhento
"The DFLM has been a truly worthwhile experience that delivers on its promise to educate, challenge, and engage in ways that produce real development in our capacity and capability as leaders. In two face-to-face seminars so far, I have already achieved a tremendous amount of growth, both personally and professionally." Mariet Louhento President, Kansallinen Liiga (Finland Women’s National League)
John Murphy
"The UEFA DFLM programme of learning is providing me with tools, structure and processes that will support me in my operating role and also help the people I work with to be more effective and strategic when planning. The quality and professionalism of delivery from the coaching team is Second to none , added to the excellent learning environment for learner’s. I would fully recommend this programme to aspiring managers and leaders within the football family." John Murphy Director of Coach Development, Brisbane City FC
Jürgen Eissmann
"The DFLM gives me the perfect opportunity to not only improve my personal skills, but also the skills of the German Football Association (DFB). This course fits all my personal needs and can help me to get the next step in my personal career ladder, but it is not just about me, it is about my federation and the DFLM will provide me with the tool to ensure that the DFB continues to grow." Jürgen Eissmann Head of EURO 2024, German Football Association
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