Coaching development encompasses four key target audiences: the Coach, the Coach Educator, the Coach Educator Developer and the Coach Educator Leader. National associations and elite clubs acknowledge the importance of developing coach developers to in turn develop coaches and players. This page serves as a hub for coaching development-related content, with articles and interactive resources organised according to the role played by the individual within coaching development.

In football, the Coach is crucial to a team’s success both on and off the pitch. They lead teams, devise strategies, nurture player talents, build team dynamics and instil a winning mentality. Coaches also analyse opponents to create game plans and enhance players’ skills, tactics, and fitness through training. During matches, they make key decisions under pressure, such as substitutions and tactical changes. Below readers can find practical examples, presentations and interviews covering a range of topics at the heart of the coaching practice.

The role of the Coach Educator in football is multifaceted, involving various responsibilities aimed at developing and nurturing coaches to enhance the quality of coaching within the sport. The Coach Educator content below is based on the role’s competences and covers training and development, curriculum design, facilitation and delivery, mentorship and guidance, and assessment and evaluation. 

The Coach Educator Developer plays a pivotal role in the development of the game globally. Coach Educator Developers are tasked with being the main innovators to ensure that the education that Coach Educators receive both continuously develops the game and improves the standard of Coach Educators, which in turn enhances the level of coaching and players.

The role of the Coach Educator Leader within football is also multifaceted, encompassing strategic planning, curriculum development, training delivery, mentorship, quality assurance, research, advocacy and ethical leadership. By fulfilling these responsibilities, coach educator leaders play a crucial role in advancing coach education and fostering the development of skilled, knowledgeable and ethical coaches within the football community. The content in this section is based on the role, competencies and functions of those who lead in the field of coach education.