By: Belinda Nketia
FIFA has launched a new legacy program linked to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 to expand opportunities for female coaches and strengthen leadership pathways in women’s football.
The project brings together FIFA, The Football Association and Women’s Super League Football. It focuses on training, mentorship and financial support for women who want to reach the highest coaching levels in England.
At the core of the project is a scholarship fund. It will support female coaches working toward UEFA A and UEFA Pro Diplomas. These licenses remain key requirements for top-level coaching jobs.
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis described the program as a step toward building a stronger football ecosystem. The focus, she noted, is on long-term growth and not only tournament success.
The program also includes a personalized development pathway. Coaches already in the system will receive leadership training, mentoring and access to high-performance environments. Organizers expect this approach to speed up career progression.
The FA views the partnership as a way to make elite education more accessible. Officials believe lowering financial and structural barriers will allow more women to enter senior technical roles.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Super League Football has positioned the project as practical and performance-driven. They are happy the league is targeting real match-day leadership skills and not just classroom learning.
This coaching initiative forms part of the broader legacy of the Women’s Champions Cup. The tournament has been promoted as a platform to raise standards and visibility in women’s club football.
FIFA has already invested heavily in coach development. Since 2021, nearly 800 female coaches across more than 70 member associations have received support through global scholarship programs. The Champions Cup legacy builds on that foundation and aims to shape the next generation of women leaders in the game.
