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An award-winning programme to empower future female leaders in the sports industry has kicked off a new season – with Women in Football taking part for the first time.

Walton Hall in Warwickshire was the venue between 16 and 18 October as the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) & FA Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) got under way.

Launched in 2019, the BUCS & FA WLP has been instrumental in supporting female students who aspire to careers in the football industry and sport more widely. The programme has created a powerful network of future leaders with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive, helping to redress the balance in a sector where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Over the next three years WIF’s expertise in professional development will see the organisation empower a whole new cohort of women with leadership skills. Twenty-two young female leaders are participating in the 2025-26 edition of the programme, supported by 13 'accelerators' who will act as mentors. WIF ambassador (and former CEO) Jane Purdon and WIF board member Monique Choudhuri, who chairs WIF’s professional development committee, co-led the sessions at Walton Hall, supported by WIF’s Partnerships Manager Amy Bullock and BUCS’ National Football Development Manager Maddie Massey.

When putting themselves forward for the programme, each accelerator had to demonstrate a strong belief in the importance of personal and professional development. They also needed to demonstrate a willingness to stretch outside their own comfort zone, a wish to change the lives of others for the better, an ability to put the needs of others ahead of their own, and, equally critically, a motivation to enhance the confidence and employability of diverse young female leaders for the good of the game.

Before they met the students, the accelerators gathered for an introductory day, where they were introduced to the BUCS and WIF teams before Jane and Amy took them through their roles and responsibilities for the year ahead. One of the key messages they received was the importance of carving out regular ‘quality time’ with their respective programme participant, helping to develop a personal bond which will enable each accelerator to be both a mentor and a coach.

 

Myriad of topics

Over the course of three days, the programme participants covered a myriad of topics as their leadership development journeys got under way. On the opening day, Jane’s modules encompassed self-reflection tools, leadership styles and how to leverage your strengths, personal storytelling and confidence building. 

On day two, led by Monique, the participants discussed how to influence others; looked at the topic of questioning and listening for impact; reviewed inclusive leadership and how to create psychological safety; considered how to build inclusive cultures, including the power of allyship; and delved into the subjects of motivation and emotional intelligence.

Day three focused primarily on effective communication, as well as the power of networking, and looking at methods to build your personal brand, including how to create an elevator pitch. 

“It was both a privilege and real pleasure to facilitate this group of inspiring and enthusiastic students,” said Monique. “What truly impressed me was their curiosity, openness, willingness to challenge, and commitment to inclusion as we explored the vital foundations for strong, modern leadership. I would like to thank both The FA and Women in Football for creating spaces where future leaders can grow, learn, and lead with purpose.” 

 

 

Reflecting on the start of this year’s programme in the West Midlands, Dan Matthews, BUCS' Senior Football Development Manager, was equally positive. 

“It was fantastic to welcome our seventh cohort of the programme to Warwick this month," he said, "bringing together 22 talented participants from 17 universities. Our mission remains to empower diverse female students with the skills, confidence, and connections to build successful careers in the women and girls’ game. This first residential marks the start of their leadership journey and the chance to work closely with their accelerators, who play such a significant role in their development.

“This season, through our partnership with Women in Football, I am looking forward to seeing the impact that Jane, Monique, and Amy will make throughout the 12-month cycle.

"We were also proud to celebrate our sixth cohort’s graduation, which was a wonderful opportunity to recognise their achievements and hear inspiring insights from [WIF director] Maggie Murphy and [WIF deputy CEO] Lisa Hoten-Pool, whose discussion offered invaluable guidance on navigating the football industry.”

 

Outcomes

Since the programme’s inception, 23% of WLP alumnae are currently involved in various roles across the football landscape, with that percentage increasing to over 55% for the number holding some kind of employment in sport. 

While many play in women's football teams, ranging from university and futsal clubs to semi-professional teams, coaching is another significant area, with alumnae leading or assisting in youth and women’s teams. Others hold leadership positions with FA and county FA youth councils, contributing to the governance and development of football, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusions, while others are engaged in refereeing roles. Another group has decided to prolong their education, working towards higher coaching qualifications or exploring roles in medicine and physiotherapy.

Planning is already underway for the next residential in February 2026, which will further develop momentum and community. The final residential will take place in June 2026, with the graduation ceremony scheduled for next autumn.

Looking ahead, Jane said: “It is a pleasure to work with BUCS and it’s a privilege to work with this wonderful group of women and help them achieve their ambitions. The talent, energy and enthusiasm present in the room was off the scale in the opening sessions. They are the future leaders of football – and the game will be in very good hands indeed.”

 

Programme participants Reshma Arukgoda (Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry) Taylor Byron (UA92) Izzy Bushen (University of Warwick) Megan Clements (Newcastle University) Hannah Cleary (University of Surrey) Ash Dsilva (University of Hertfordshire) Mia Farndon (University of Cambridge) Katrina Gambino (Loughborough University) Katana Gould (University of Central Lancashire) Madison Highfield (University of Wolverhampton) Sara Hooda (University of Warwick) Nicole Joyce-Stoute (University of Warwick) Anna Marfuad (University of Kent) Megan Mills (Canterbury Christ Church University) Anisa Nurein (Northumbria University) Chileshe Nyanje Shula (University of Liverpool) Annerley Salter (University of Warwick) Isobel Smith (University of Exeter) Mollie Smith (Loughborough University) Anastasia Storey (University College London) Evelyn Watson (Oxford Brookes University) Caitlin Welsh (Loughborough University)

Accelerators Nayim Ahmed (Football Development Officer, Clubs and Leagues, London FA) Charlotte Akester (EDI Manager, Notts County Foundation) Amber Campbell (Sport Development Co-ordinator, University of Glasgow) Catherine Eaton-Brown (Club and Performance Sport Manager, University of Warwick) Sean Lofting (Football Development Manager, BUCS) Chloe Morfey-Greenberg (Welfare Lead, London Sport) Onyinye Nkemdirim (SportEd) Alice Parker (Student Sport and Physical Activity Development Co-ordinator, University of East Anglia) Amy Preston (Club Development Manager, University of Birmingham) Vicki Price (Club Development Manager, Nottingham Trent University) Kirsty Smith (Inclusive Football Development Officer, Suffolk FA) Zachary Thomas Wilmer (self-employed coach/adult carer, Liverpool FC International Academy/Shared Lives) Ella Williams (Community and Fan Engagement Manager, London City Lionesses FC)

 

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