Launched in 2015, the FLDP aims to identify, support and develop strong female leaders and role models in football, while advocating for women to access senior decision-making positions globally.
The four-day workshop saw participants take part in practical sessions on topics such as leadership styles and influencing others, as well as having an opportunity to meet their designated mentors and leadership coaches in person.
Key focus was given to the importance of peer coaching, authentic leadership, leading as a woman in the world of football, and the legacy of a leader.
All participants expressed their desire to ensure a solid female legacy in football.
Speaking about her hopes for the future after her involvement in the programme, Adelaide Tu’ivailala of the Tongan FA said: “I’m hoping to rediscover myself by learning from all the women in this group. Learning from their expertise and experience to become a more assertive leader.”
Creating a network of women working in football is an essential element of the FLDP and was strongly echoed by its mentors. Discussing her ambitions for the programme, Donna De Varona, a mentor for FLDP participants, swimming world-record holder and US Olympic gold medallist said: “I want to create a family; a network of women who can talk to each other.
“So many women out there are alone, fighting for opportunities in a vastly male-dominated world of football. Our role as mentors is to help them develop their skills, to help them make a real difference.”
The 34 participants in the FLDP will complete two further modules as part of their programme in September 2016 and February 2017. Each participant will now begin to develop their own “Accelerator Project”, which will be dedicated to the development of football in their respective countries.
Story courtesy of FIFA. For more on the world game visit www.fifa.com

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