BUCS Women's Leadership Programme

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!