UEFA Pro Licence coaches celebrate graduation at National Football Museum
On Wednesday 5th June 2024, England Football Learning marked the graduation of the next generation of UEFA Pro Licence coaches with a graduation evening at the National Football Museum.
The evening was hosted by Football Focus and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Clemmit, who was joined by speakers including Everton manager Sean Dyche and The FA’s Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE. Also speaking on the night was The FA’s Technical Director John McDermott and Director of Education Lucy Pearson.
The event marked the culmination of an enlightening 18-month journey for 24 graduates, including Manchester City icon and current Saudi Arabia Assistant Coach Yaya Touré, Everton legend Leighton Baines, Tottenham Hotspur Women Senior Assistant Coach Vicky Jepson. Also in the cohort was Matt Beard, Liverpool Women’s Manager and winner of the LMA WSL Manager of the Year. The evening provided a fitting platform for the participants to reflect upon their achievements and learning experiences.
The UEFA Pro Licence stands as the pinnacle of professional coaching qualifications, meticulously designed to cultivate skilled and ambitious leaders, managers, and coaches who will go on to have successful careers within elite football. Anchored in the solid foundation of technical expertise, the course’s core focus lies in forging winning team leadership and management strategies, whilst challenging the knowledge of the cohorts.
Throughout the programme, the graduates engaged in a series of theoretical and practical workshops, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities available at St. George’s Park. Participants had the opportunity to learn from eminent experts who shared their invaluable insights from of different high-performing industries, including football and other leading sporting environments.
Previous alumni who earned their UEFA Pro Licence Qualification following the 24-month journey at St. George’s Park include LMA Manager of the Year and Championship Manager of the Season, Kieran McKenna, League One Manager of the Season John Mousinho.
Further alumni include undertaking the course include League Two Manager of the Season Dave Challinor and Borussia Dortmund Manager and UEFA Champions League finalist Edin Terzic.
Guy Whittingham, UEFA Pro Licence & Alumni Lead said: “It was a privilege to be at the National Football Museum to celebrate the graduation of the 2023/24 Pro Licence coaches.
“It’s a night of recognition and celebration for all the people who have put in 18 months of hard work and dedication. The UEFA Pro Licence is the highest qualification you can get in the football world, so it’s a huge commitment from the coaches and managers who take part. The experience will enable them to coach at the highest levels of the game.”
Vicky Jepson, Assistant Coach of Tottenham Hotspur Women and UEFA Pro Licence graduate said: “My experience on this 18-month course has been incredible. The journey has taken us through a variety of challenges.
“Elements of the learning experience have taken us out of our comfort zone, but we’ve learned that it’s okay to be uncomfortable and vulnerable, as it prepares us to continue working in a fast-paced, demanding industry with a lot of scrutiny.”
Hassan Sulaiman, Head Coach of Chelsea Academy and Pro Licence Graduate commented: “The course has taught me to manage my emotions and ensure I’m emotionally regulated, allowing me to deal with and handle pressure.
“It’s been great to also learn the skills to manage upwards, as well as staff and players. I’ve learned invaluable soft skills to ensure I can be forthcoming and an active listener, which are paramount to my development.”
