Six additional guest speakers have been announced with just weeks to go until the FAW National Coaches Conference 2026, including Bundesliga and La Liga champion Nuri Sahin.
The conference takes place in Newport across 23 and 24 May. Details on eligibility and how to register are available below.
Nuri Sahin
Former Real Madrid and Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin returns to the National Coaches Conference this year after hosting a practical delivery session at a previous event.
Currently manager of Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, Sahin returns with experience managing in Champions League games with Borussia Dortmund, the club he once played for.
The former Antalyaspor boss holds several domestic honours as a player, with both a La Liga and Bundesliga title to his name.
Luke Benstead
Currently an assistant with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, Luke Benstead returns to the FAW National Coaches Conference to host a practical session at this year’s event.
Having worked alongside fellow FAW Coach Education Graduates Thierry Henry and Roberto Martinez as an analyst with the Belgian National Team, Benstead has experience working at a variety of clubs across Europe alongside his international team exploits.
Andy Mangan
Currently a First Team Consultant at Swansea City, former Bristol Rovers Caretaker Manager and Stockport County assistant Andy Mangan will deliver a practical session at the FAW National Coaches Conference.
Previously a forward for Accrington Stanley, Wrexham and Fleetwood Town, the Liverpool born ex-striker has studied for his Pro Licence with the FAW and coached across the globe.
Mangan previously coached as an assistant alongside fellow FAW Coach Education graduate Davide Ancelotti at Brazilian side Botofogo before joining Swansea earlier this year as part of fellow FAW Pro Licence holder Vitor Matos’ team.
Dane Facey
Dane Facey has been Academy Head of Coaching at Cardiff City Football Club for several years and has also held assistant coaching positions with the Cymru youth sides, working with Craig Knight as part of the U17’s set-up at the European Championships in 2024.
The Bluebirds academy coach will be hosting a practical session alongside Tom Hutton, focusing on the process of developing the individual as a Cardiff City Case study.
Tom Hutton
Tom Hutton is the Lead U18 Coach at Cardiff City Football Club and Assistant Coach for the Cymru Men’s U19 team.
Having been with the Bluebirds for over 10 years, the former Academy Development Coach moved from an initial analysis role, helping the Cardiff City FC Women pick up the league title in 2012/13.
Hutton will be hosting a practical session alongside Dane Facey, focusing on the process of developing the individual as a Cardiff City Case study.
Ella Masar
Former interim head coach of Chicago Stars FC Ella Masar is a former professional footballer with a decorated 10-year playing career at the highest levels of the game.
The American-born forward won two Frauen-Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokal Frauen with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany as well as two Swedish Cup titles for FC Rosengård in Sweden.
Masar will be speaking as part of a panel event at this year’s FAW National Coaches Conference, discussing transformational and adaptable leaders.
What qualifications can I revalidate?
The two-day conference offers coaches the chance to revalidate the following UEFA qualifications:
- UEFA Pro Diploma
- UEFA A Diploma
- UEFA Elite Youth A Diploma
- UEFA A Goalkeepers Diploma
- UEFA B Diploma
- UEFA B Goalkeepers Diploma
Registration process
To register for the 2026 FAW National Coaches Conference, simply follow these steps:
- Select the rate applicable to the qualification you are revalidating.
- Select ‘Buy Now’.
- Registration confirmation will be sent via automated email, please check your junk/spam folder.
- Once registered you will receive a direct invite to confirm your Coaches Voice subscription.
National Coaches Conference 2026
Learn more and book your place now
