The Football Association of Wales’ successful ‘BE. Football: Mentoring Programme For Her’ has opened applications for its second year.
The ‘BE. Football: Mentoring Programme For Her’ encourages women, aged 18+, who are actively working or volunteering in football and are wanting to progress their careers to apply to be a mentee of the programme.
The programme aims to build the confidence of participants, to aid their progression in football, whilst developing the skills required to achieve their full potential in their desired role within the game. Mentees can include those who are interested in starting their first job in football or those looking to progress to a more senior role on or off the pitch.
Applications to Year 2 are now open and you can find the application form available to view and download here. Please note the application deadline is Tuesday 31st January.
The ‘BE. Football: Mentoring Programme For Her’ saw great success in 2022 with 14 mentees from across the Welsh football family and 14 mentors from across the FAW and the association’s trusted partners partake in the programme.
All mentees were partnered with mentors best suited to their aspirations and field of work. The programme encouraged mentees to have an open line of communication with their mentor, which enabled knowledge sharing of best practice, in addition to valuable in person shadowing and networking opportunities. Mentees were also given the opportunity to hold discussions with legends of the game such as former Cymru International Professor Laura McAllister, Cymru Women’s National Team Manager, Gemma Grainger, in addition to meeting leading women from across the industry.
The 2022 Programme concluded at Dragon Park on the 13th of December with mentees, mentors, FAW board members and partners of the FAW joining to celebrate all 14 mentees journey’s and hear more about the confidence, support systems and opportunities they have built over the past 6 months.
FAW Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football, Lowri Roberts said: “Confidence remains a key barrier for women applying for roles and putting themselves forward for progression or opportunities within football, and it’s been incredible to see our mentees grow in confidence throughout this programme and push themselves out of their comfort zone.
“In this time, four of our brilliant mentees secured full-time positions working within football, whilst two have joined the FAW’s newly formed Youth Council. The ‘BE.Football: Mentoring Programme For Her’ was certainly a highlight for the association last year, and I can’t wait to get started with Year 2.”
BE. Football: Mentoring Programme For Her Mentee, Charlotte Monk said: “To be a mentee on this programme has been a real honour and great experience for myself both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to be fully supported by not only my mentor, but the other mentees and staff on the programme, whilst moving into a full-time role with the FAW has been invaluable.
“The programme has allowed me to grow in confidence, as well as expand my network, meeting such amazing likeminded individuals. I would 100% recommend any women that is considering applying to be a mentee to do it and I can’t wait to watch the programme continue to grow, as its potential is endless.”