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A high-profile initiative supporting women to progress to the top leadership positions in European football resumed in August – and Women in Football is once again playing a key role.

The European Club Association’s (ECA's) Women on Board programme equips senior women executives with the knowledge, confidence and network to excel in leadership roles with clubs and leagues and in the wider football industry.

Designed as part of the ECA’s broader educational portfolio and run in collaboration with WIF, the programme's second season began in Nyon, Switzerland from 12 to 14 August, with participants representing clubs from a dozen countries. 

By combining practical workshops with peer-to-peer exchanges and expert-led sessions, Women on Board offers those participants tools to strengthen their decision-making, grow their influence and lead with authenticity.

WIF Chair Ebru Köksal, who jointly facilitated the sessions, said: “Women in Football is delighted to continue its partnership with ECA on the Women on Board programme – an alliance that affirms our credibility and shared commitment to developing real, lasting leadership across European football.

“The programme is about making career advancement a right, not a fight, empowering talented women to step into senior roles not through favour, but through demonstrated merit and steadfast support. Together, we’re forging a more inclusive, effective, and forward-looking industry.”

Ebru co-facilitated the course alongside Women in Football board member Monique Choudhuri, who chairs WIF’s professional development committee, using her extensive industry experience to develop the WIF Leadership Course, which now boasts more than 750 graduates. 

“Investing in women’s leadership is about more than building skills," explains Monique. "It’s about fostering confidence, resilience, and influence, while creating the networks and opportunities that allow women to shape the future of football.

“On our Women in Football Leadership Course, we focus on the essentials of effective leadership – from understanding the difference between leading and managing to leading with emotional intelligence, creating trust and psychological safety, and embedding inclusive leadership, at every level.

“Professional growth doesn’t happen by chance; it requires access to development, mentorship, and the space to lead authentically. That’s what the course is designed to provide, and I am proud to carry that commitment forward through WIF’s wider programmes, ensuring development is accessible and impactful for every woman in the game.”

The syllabus in Nyon included topics such as:

• Leadership Styles and Models
• Effective Communication
• Decision Making and Influencing
• Confidence Building
• Emotional Intelligence
• Becoming Board Ready

The next stop for the Women on Board programme will be a dedicated meeting in Rome ahead of the 32nd ECA General Assembly, providing an opportunity to continue the conversations between European football clubs and build on the lessons from the course.

 

 

What the participants said

“It was not only about knowledge, but about understanding how to apply it in the real world of football.” Zeycan Rochelle Yildirim Chief Marketing Officer, Samsunspor

“Sharing experiences with other women in football has been eye-opening — it’s about learning together and growing together.” Amanda Moura Pietrzak Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Legia Ladies

“The programme gives you the tools and perspective to influence change within your organisation and the game.” Theresa Seegerer Head of Partnership Sales, Bayern Munich

 

Did you know?

In 2023 the ECA introduced governance reforms to boost inclusion and diversity in European club football. The key targets are a minimum of 25% female representation on the ECA board by 2027 and 35% by 2030. The ECA is focusing on education as one of many means to drive change and achieve true diversity at football's senior decision-making levels. You can learn more about their educational services at the ECA Campus.

Women in Football’s Leadership Course offers the opportunity to develop your potential as an individual, enhance your personal skills and learn new ones in a positive, supportive environment. The course is open exclusively to women who are already working, or aspire to work, in the football industry, with the next two editions taking place in London in September, and Glasgow in October. More details are available here.

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