Coaching HER Forward is a 12-month mentoring and coach development programme created by the Football Association of Wales to support and empower women coaches across Cymru.
Through mentoring, learning experiences and networking opportunities, the programme aims to:
Support progression through the coaching pathway and into leadership roles.
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Develop coaching identity and philosophy.
- Provide insight into high-performance coaching environments
- Expand professional networks across Welsh football
About the Programme
The programme is designed for ambitious women coaches who are ready to take the next step in their coaching journey. Combining face-to-face events, online learning and practical experiences, participants will benefit from:
- Individual mentoring with experienced coaches.
- Coach development events.
- Masterclasses led by industry experts.
- Shadowing opportunities within training and match-day environments.
- Leadership and career development support.
- Access to a national network of women coaches.
The programme will run from October 2026 to October 2027 and is designed to support coaches who are currently working, or aspiring to work, within development and elite performance environments.
Coaching HER Forward has been made possible through the support of FIFA.
The programme will be delivered in English.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will:
- Demonstrate increased confidence and effectiveness in their coaching practice.
- Develop a clear coaching philosophy and leadership identity.
- Gain valuable experience of high-performance football environments.
- Build a strong professional network within Welsh football.
- Understand the opportunities and pathways available within the coaching landscape.
- Produce a personalised development plan to support their continued progression.
Who is the Programme For?
The programme is open to women coaches who:
- Are aged 18 or over.
- Hold a minimum UEFA C Licence.
- Are Welsh, currently coaching with a Welsh club, or have a coaching role confirmed with a Welsh club for the 2026/27 season.
- Are committed to developing their coaching practice and progressing along the coaching pathway.
- Can fully engage with the programme, including online and in-person sessions, and maintain regular contact with their mentor.
- Are currently working, or aspiring to work, within development and elite performance environments.
Please note: Meeting all of the above criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme.
Application Process
Please complete the programme application form by 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than Monday 17 August 2026.
Please note that all applications will be subject to a selection process. The programme is limited to ten places to ensure each participant receives a high-quality mentoring experience. As a result, submitting an application does not guarantee a place.
Programme Dates
The programme includes six structured sessions, combining face-to-face and online learning, mentoring and practical experiences.
| Contact | Topic | Date/Time | Location |
| 1 | Introduction & Goal Setting | Friday 16th September 2026 10am – 4pm | Dragon Park, Newport |
| 2 | Working as Part of a Team | Thursday 19th November 2026 6pm – 8pm | Online |
| 3 | Building Coaching Identity | Date TBC 1 day contact will take between 1st – 10th Feb 2027 10am – 4pm | Colliers Park, Wrexham |
| 4 | FAW National Coaches Conference | Saturday 22nd May 2027 9am – 10pm & Sunday 23rd May 2027 9am – 5pm | Celtic Manor, Newport & Dragon Park, Newport |
| 5 | Career Pathways & Progression | Monday 5th July 2027 6pm – 8pm | Online |
| 6 | Reflection & Celebration | Date TBC 1 day contact will take place on a home Women’s national team fixture. Between 4th – 12th October 2027 11am – 10pm | TBC (venue for international fixture) |
Please note that dates and venues are subject to change. All participants will be notified in advance of any updates.
Programme Fee
Participation in Coaching HER Forward is completely free of charge.
Further Information
If you have any questions regarding the programme or any of the information provided, please contact the Coach Education team: coacheducation@faw.cymru.
