FA Women’s Leadership Programme: Residential 2 with Cohort 6
The FA Women’s Leadership Programme continues to provide an invaluable platform for aspiring leaders in the women’s game. The completion of Residential 2 marked another significant milestone for this cohort, with participants engaging in a real-world challenge, designed to develop their leadership behaviours and strategic thinking skills. To add to the challenge, this residential was delivered entirely online!
Learning with Football Industry Experts
This residential allowed us to work with an incredible group of football professionals, each bringing their expertise and insight. A huge thank you to:
-
Nick Frith – Women’s Leagues Operations Senior Manager, The FA
-
Jo Butler-Williams – Women’s National League Compliance Officer, The FA
-
Lauren O’Sullivan – Head of Community and Workforce Development, Premier League Charitable Fund
-
Megan Wilson – Football Administration Executive, Premier League
-
Andy Baker – Regional Network Manager (North), The FA
Their collective experience provided a deep dive into the areas that should be considered when shaping a new project, analysing data and how to meet project objectives.
A Task with Real-World Impact
The main part of the residential gave participants the opportunity to work on a project brief, set by Nick Frith. Participants were tasked with designing an initiative to support Women’s National League Clubs to meet League Compliance Standards - a highly relevant and timely task, given the recent vacancy advertised within Nick’s team.
This challenge wasn’t just a theoretical exercise; it mirrored the exact kind of work that is currently shaping the women’s game. By working through this process, participants gained first-hand experience of the expectations, pressures, and problem-solving skills required in many football industry roles.
Building Skills for Future Careers in Football
The FA Women’s Leadership Programme is designed to provide participants with practical experience that will support their journeys into paid roles within football. Through tackling real and current challenges in the game, participants are developing the skillsets needed to step into key roles within clubs, leagues, and governing bodies.
This programme isn’t just about preparing the next generation of female leaders - it’s also an opportunity for FA colleagues to gain fresh perspectives and new ideas from young females who are actively involved in the game in various capacities. The exchange of knowledge and viewpoints is helping to shape the future of the sport in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead
With Residential 2 now complete, participants are taking forward new knowledge, networks, and confidence. As the programme progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that those involved are ready to step into leadership roles and make a lasting impact within football. We look forward to working on another meaningful task during Residential 3 which is set to take place in June.
A huge thank you to The FA, our staff accelerators, and all those who continue to invest in the programme.
Applications for Cohort 7 of the BUCS and FA Women’s Leadership Programme will be opening on the 3 April 2025, while staff applications will open on the 1 May 2025.
If you would like to know more about the programme, please get in touch with Maddie Massey (National Football Development Manager).
