The FA & BUCS Women's Leadership Programme is a global award winning collaboration between the FA and BUCS, with the intention of positively impacting the gender diversity of the paid football workforce within England. Based on FA commissioned research into the key behaviours that align to high performance in roles and/or increased chances of employability; the programme aims to support students who identify as female or non–binary and have aspirations to work within the game, to be competitive when they enter the job market. Seeking to bridge the gap between who the students are, and what they are capable of, through experiential and applied learning experiences.
Students have the opportunity to develop their skills, behaviours, confidence and professional network, as well as be supported in defining their career goals & ambitions by exploring and understanding the diverse opportunities that exist in football. The participants have three multi-day touch points across a nine-month period, including a minimum of two residential stays. These feature both theoretical and applied learning experiences, with students being placed in ‘real life’ simulated tasks and networking opportunities with established individuals from across the football sector.
Every student is also supported throughout, by a member of staff know as a Learning and Development Accelerator. These staff members are volunteers recruited from across the sport sector, who provide mentoring and coaching support on a 2:1 basis throughout the residentials. The Programme is entering its 7th season in 2025-26 and continues to grow in reputation throughout the industry. Moving forwards, we aim to focus on the diversity within our cohorts and make a positive impact in supporting more females and non– binary students from under-represented and under–served groups to access the Programme.
The current cohort includes talented individuals from various universities, each with unique aspirations and backgrounds. Please meet the class of 25/26 below:
FIND OUT MORE
Check out our 5 year Impact Report to witness the progress that has been made in developing the next generation of female leaders for the game.
Check out what our previous leaders have to say to get a feel for the programme.
Register your interest for 2026/27 programme by clicking this link: Expression of Interest
Women's Leadership Programme Staff
Are you passionate about supporting others? Are you interested in guiding a young person through their personal development? Think you'd make a great mentor and coach?
You may be a great candidate for one of our Learning and Development Accelerator roles as part of the FA Women's Leadership Programme.
The Learning and Development Accelerators on the programme, play a pivotal role as personal development coaches and mentors, guiding participants throughout, with tailored feedback and support. Their primary focus is on empowering the participants to grow in confidence and leadership. However, this process is reciprocal, as accelerators also engage in continuous learning, gaining insights and developing alongside participants, which enhances their own professional and personal growth.
You can read more about the programme and comments from previous and current accelerators, in our most recent Impact Report.
Please note that this is a voluntary role, however travel expenses will be paid and all food and accommodation is covered.
The award winning programme aims to unlock the potential of female university students aspiring to work in the Women's and Girls’ game (in any role), to help them become competitive when entering the job market. This could be in football development, coaching, EDI, law, medicine, marketing, operations - the list goes on!
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or would like an informal chat about the programme and the role.
Please register your interest by clicking this link.
Women's Leadership Programme Applications
The BUCS Women’s Leadership Programme is an initiative that aims to empower female and non binary students from all backgrounds, to unlock their full potential within the football industry. This award-winning program provides a competitive edge for those aspiring to work in football after graduating from their degree and prepares them for the job market.
We will be on the lookout for more people who want to apply for cohort 7 of the programme that will be taking place in the academic year 2025-26.
Students have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic program that fosters growth, learning, and collaboration in the world of football. To learn more, you can explore testimonials from previous participants here.
Applications for cohort 7 are now open! All forms and information on how to apply can be found at the bottom of this page. In order to be eligible, we require applicants to meet the following criteria:
- Identify as female or non binary
- Undertaking a part time or full time course, or undertaking a sabbatical role at a BUCS Football Accredited University in the 2025-26 academic year
- Have an ambition to work in a role in the football industry (particulalry with a focus on impacting the Women and Girls Game) post graduation or sabbatical role
The cost for a student to attend is £300 and we ask that you look for this to be sponsored by your University, SU, County FA, or other organisation that you are involved with and provide a supporting statement to demonstrate this. BUCS can always discuss this and explore options when it comes to any potential applicants from an Historically under Represented Group, or students who may have difficulty in meeting the fee requirements, if successful in applying to the programme.
Please contact us via [email protected] if you have any questions.
Highlighting the programmes transformative impact and the unique opportunities it offers - here’s a summary of our programme alumni's advice:
Take the Leap
"Take the leap and apply—it will truly change you for the better."
"Just go for it, it will change your perspective on life and equip you with skills
that will benefit you for life."
"Apply right now, you won't regret it! Become comfortable in uncomfortable
situations as it will only help you grow & develop!"
Personal and Professional Growth
"It’s an opportunity for self-development like no other."
"This programme will change your life in the most positive way!"
"It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will not regret. WLP asks for such a
small chunk of your time in exchange for lifelong skills."
Networking and Connections
"You will leave the programme feeling more inspired and empowered than ever
to achieve your goals, whilst having met like-minded people and becoming a
part of a really special network."
"Do it—you meet like-minded people, you get pushed outside your comfort
zone, and you build so many skills."
Embrace the Challenge
"Grasp the opportunity with both hands and go in with an open mind."
"Apply for WLP if you are ready to put your development first."
"Go for it! Be a yes person!"
In essence, the alumni strongly recommend applying to WLP, emphasising that it’s
a unique, life-changing experience that offers both personal growth and
professional opportunities.
Applications are open now!
The portal to apply to this programme can be found here.
Please ensure that you read the:
This guides you through how to apply for the programme and what information we require.
Below are additional supporting documents that you may need to submit with your application.
