Participants in the second edition of FIFA’s Female Leadership Development Programme (FLDP) will attend workshops in Zurich from 6-9 June.
Launched in 2015 to ensure that there are female role models and women at decision-making levels in football, the FLDP aims to identify, support and develop strong female leaders in the sport, while advocating for women to access senior decision-making positions globally.
The programme runs over nine months in total and takes participants through workshops and extensive fieldwork, with a mentor and a leadership coach supporting them along the way. The female participants, from a variety of countries, will take part in practical sessions on topics such as leadership styles and influencing others while in Zurich, as well as having an opportunity to meet with their mentors and leadership coaches in person.
Karina Leblanc, former Canadian women’s national team goalkeeper and participant in the FDLP said: “It’s exciting to be able to learn from some of the best leaders in the world and to be surrounded by women who want to grow… dare to dream, because you can do it!”
The FLDP participants were selected from over 80 applicants put forward by member associations around the globe for the 35 available places. The selection of participants was conducted by a working group comprised of FIFA and the THNK School of Creative Leadership Innovation.
One of FIFA’s main priorities is providing opportunities for girls and women in football which has been reflected in the announcement at the recent FIFA Congress in Mexico of the creation of a dedicated Women’s Football Division. Additionally, a crucial element of the reforms approved at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress in February is the inclusion of women in leadership positions in football.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Mayrilian Cruz Blanco, FIFA’s Senior Women’s Football Development Manager said: “The FIFA Female Leadership Development Programme is a key initiative to ensure that more women are involved in football governance across all regions. This new edition brings together high-calibre participants from different backgrounds, cultures and roles within their organisations. It is crucial to nurture female talent in football both on and off the pitch and we are committed to supporting the participants in further developing their potential as leaders and along their pathway in our sport.”
Further information about the programme is also available in an FAQ document available here.