FIFA Launches Mentorship to Boost Women in Coaching

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FIFA Launches Mentorship Program to Empower Female Coaches

In response to the gender disparities in football coaching, FIFA has initiated the third edition of its elite performance coach mentorship program in Zurich. This program, particularly timely with the upcoming 2026 Men's World Cup and 2025 Women's Euros, is designed to address and reduce the barriers female coaches face in the sport. Over an 18-month period, the program pairs emerging coaches with seasoned professionals to foster growth and support in their coaching careers.

The issue of underrepresentation of women in football coaching is significant. Historically, there have been few female role models in coaching, which has impacted the number of women pursuing this career path. The mentorship program aims to change this landscape by providing support, increasing awareness, and facilitating access to necessary resources like coaching licenses.

Among the mentors in this program are notable current national team coaches such as Desiree Ellis from South Africa, Joe Monteamuro of Australia, and Angelo Marsiga from Colombia. They bring a wealth of experience and insights, invaluable to the mentees. One prominent mentee, former Germany international midfielder Melanie Behringer, emphasized the value of having seasoned advisors accessible for guidance, which she believes could have helped her avoid early mistakes in her coaching career.

The mentorship not only aims to enhance technical skills but also to build a supportive network that can help young coaches navigate challenges. This initiative is part of FIFA's broader efforts to make football coaching more inclusive and supportive for women, creating a more equitable environment in the sport's professional realms.