The Irish Football Association has announced that registrations are now open for its Women’s Leadership Programme.
The new 18‑month development programme is designed to support and empower women to progress into leadership roles across football in Northern Ireland.
It will bring together women from a wide range of roles, including coaching, refereeing, governance, administration, marketing and programme delivery.
Participants will be supported to develop confidence, leadership capability and strong professional networks, enabling them to positively influence and shape the future of the game.
The programme is set to be delivered in partnership with Jo Hopkins Consulting, combining in‑person workshops, online learning, leadership profiling, peer coaching and mentoring.
Participants will also benefit from the support of Irish FA mentors, who will provide guidance, insight and real‑world leadership experience throughout the programme.
Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish FA, said: “Through our Together We Thrive strategy we are committed to creating opportunities for women to grow, lead and thrive in football, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.
“Our Women’s Leadership Programme is a key part of that journey, supporting women to find their voice, build confidence and take the next steps as leaders within the game.”
Lauren Moore, Women’s Football Manager at the Irish FA Foundation, said: “This new initiative is about empowering women with the confidence, skills and support to step into leadership roles and help shape the future of football in Northern Ireland.”
And Marissa Callaghan, Women’s Football Ambassador at the Irish FA Foundation, said: “This programme is about more than leadership skills, it’s about building confidence, connection and supporting women to believe they belong in leadership roles within football.”
By investing in the long‑term development of female leaders, the Irish FA Women’s Leadership Programme aims to increase representation, strengthen leadership pathways and create positive, lasting change across the football community.
Places on the new programme are limited. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 26 May.
For more information and to register for the Irish FA Women’s Leadership Programme, click below.
