Workshop ran from 16-18 March at Diriamba talent school
Training provided to 31 participants by expert women instructors from FIFA
Was first in-person training event for managers and administrators since start of pandemic in February 2020.
As part of FIFA's Women's Football Development Programme for 2020-2023, the Nicaraguan Football Federation’s Diriamba talent school hosted a training course for women's football managers and administrators from 16 to 18 March. Thirty-one people took part in the workshop, which was delivered in person by FIFA expert instructors Elieth Artavia and Andrea Rodebaugh, and remotely by Lucia Mijares. It covered a range of topics with the aim of providing additional tools and support to women's football for its growth and development both on and off the pitch.
Capacity building for administrators in Nicaragua
The three-day workshop encompassed the administrative structure of a club, focusing on roles, responsibilities and teamwork; an analysis of the administrative structure of first and second division clubs in Nicaragua; the importance of strategic and financial planning; as well as the code of ethics and providing information on the FIFA Guardians™ programme.
One of the instructors in attendance at Diriamba, Andrea Rodebaugh, stressed the importance of holding this course in the Central American country: "FIFA has eight programmes [aimed at the development of women's football], and Nicaragua has been confirmed for six of them, because we’re aware of the work being done here and the boost that we want to give the country."
"I’ve been here on several occasions and have noticed the change. The women's football department has been working tirelessly, which is why we’re approving the six programmes. We have confidence in what’s being done here in women's football, and Nicaragua is ready for any opportunity there is to do something new or different," Rodebaugh added.
The course was hosted by Dalila Lopez, Director of Women's Football at the Nicaraguan Football Federation, who is set to participate at the end of March in the next FIFA Female Leadership programme, one of eight FIFA programmes aimed at the development of women's football.
This week’s event also had the distinction of being the first women's football workshop given by instructors in person to a member association since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the impact of COVID-19, FIFA has managed to carry out 162 projects in 64 member associations since the Women's Football Development Programme was launched in September 2020
The Nicaragua course is part of FIFA's commitment to accelerate the growth and development of women's football, including its goal of having 60 million women and girls playing it by 2026. FIFA's Women's Football Development Programme offers the 211 member associations the opportunity to access additional resources, equipment and expertise dedicated to the discipline.
It also aims to provide member associations with access to expertise and additional support for the development of women's football according to their needs.
FIFA will achieve its objectives by executing a five-pronged strategy to:
Govern & lead … strive for gender balance
Every MA will have one spot on its Executive Committee dedicated to the interests of women and by 2026 have at least one woman seated, while by 2022, at least one-third of FIFA committee members will be women. Strengthen and expand the Female Leadership Development Programme and improve professionalisation and regulatory oversight.
Educate and empower
Address and bring focus to specific social and health issues and reach out to NGOs and government stakeholders to develop sustainable projects that improve the lives of women.
Develop and grow … on and off the pitch
By 2022, have women’s football strategies in 100% of member associations, and by 2026, double the number of MAs with organised youth leagues. Expand football in school programmes, create elite academies and increase the number of qualified coaches and referees, vastly improving access to the game for girls.
Showcase the game … improve women’s competitions
Optimise regional qualifying for FIFA competitions and develop those events to build top-level players at a young age. Advance and launch new international competitions and improve the professional club framework.
Communicate & commercialise … broaden exposure & value
Advance awareness of top female athletes and raise the profile of women’s football by enhancing engagement, harnessing technology, implementing a distinct brand strategy and using role models and ambassadors as well as a dedicated Women’s Legends Programme. By 2026, launch a Women’s Football Commercial Programme.