LMA LEADERS PROGRAMME
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PREMIER LEAGUE.
THE LMA LEADERS PROGRAMME EQUIPS FOOTBALL MANAGERS WITH THE TOOLS, EXPERTISE, AND GUIDANCE TO LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE AND SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE GAME AT THE ELITE LEVEL.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PREMIER LEAGUE, THE LMA LEADERS PROGRAMME REPRESENTS THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF THE LMA’S MEMBER SERVICES BY DELIVERING A BESPOKE EXPERIENCE TAILORED TO EACH PARTICIPANT’S UNIQUE NEEDS.
Richard Bevan OBE LMA Chief Executive
WELCOME: RICHARD BEVAN OBE.
LMA CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Based at the National Football Centre, St George’s Park, the League Managers Association (LMA) traces its history back to 1919 and has been operating in its current structure since 1992.
The modern LMA has established itself as a leader in the game, guided by and delivering to its members. It has become a globally renowned organisation that prides itself on the positive impact it has on the careers of its members and on the game.
Our mission is to provide the highest standard of guidance, expertise and resources, equipping our members to succeed at the elite level. In partnership with the Premier League, the LMA Leaders Programme represents the breadth and depth of the LMA’s Member Services by delivering a bespoke experience tailored to each participant’s unique needs.
Through expert coaching, targeted interventions and facilitated experiences with senior LMA members, the Leaders Programme provides individualised support to accelerate career development at the highest level.
The LMA is committed to driving diversity and inclusion in football, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive and shape the future of our sport.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW.
The LMA Leaders Programme is a tailored, needs-based initiative designed to support high-potential coaches and managers aspiring for a career at the highest level in the football industry.
Over 12 months, participants engage in bespoke 1-to-1 coaching from an assigned Programme Coach, carefully selected based on the individuals’ needs and career aspirations. Participants benefit from group-based activities, bespoke support and skills coaching guided by a comprehensive needs analysis, and access to the LMA’s network of experts and consultants.
WHO.
High-potential and committed individuals aspiring to coach and mange at the highest level of professional football.
WHEN.
Participants will engage throughout the year, please see the programme timeline for the exact dates.
DURATION.
March 2026 to March 2027.
WHERE.
A blend of online and face-to-face activities.
PARTICIPANTS.
10 – 15.
PRICE.
Funded by the League Managers Association & Premier League.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE.
1. PROGRAMME COACHING.
2. GROUP ACTIVITIES.
Participants will be carefully paired with a dedicated Programme Coach who will be alongside you throughout your journey. They will provide personalised guidance, offering support while also challenging you to grow and reach your full potential.
Throughout the programme, participants will take part in a range of engaging group activities at leadership residentials, as well as an inspiring visit to a high-performance sporting environment.
3. ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
In addition, the programme offers opportunities to join exclusive online sessions with senior LMA members who have achieved success at the highest levels of the game.
4. BESPOKE SUPPORT.
Beyond your dedicated programme coaching, you will also complete a Physical Health Assessment, Psychometric Profiling Assessment, Career Audit, Media Skills Experience, Coach Observation, and Performance Lifestyle Audit.
ENGAGING EXPERTISE
Participants gain access to top industry experts and senior leaders, benefitting from their experience and insights.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY
The LMA is committed to diversity and inclusion across all of its programmes.
VOCATIONALLY RELEVANT
The content is directly aligned with the demands of elite level football management, ensuring practical and applicable insights.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
The programme addresses every aspect of a participant’s professional and personal development, based on the LMA’s personal development model, ensuring well-rounded growth.
MEMBER CENTRED
Each participant’s individual needs and goals are at the core of the programme, driving personlised support and interventions.
PROGRAMME PRINCIPLES.
WELLBEING FOCUSED
The programme prioritises the mental and physical wellbeing of participants, recognising its importance in sustained leadership success.
BESPOKE SUPPORT
Tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of each participant.
INTENDED OUTCOMES.
The LMA Leaders programme is designed to prepare participants to operate at the top of professional football.
• ENHANCED SELF-AWARENESS
Participants will gain deeper insight into their strengths, areas for development, and leadership style, enabling more effective selfmanagement and decision making.
• STRUCTURED OWNERSHIP
Participants will develop the ability to take structured control of their career growth, taking ownership of their personal and professional trajectory in a supportive environment.
• INCREASED LEADERSHIP
The programme will cultivate advanced leadership skills, empowering participants to inspire and manage teams with confidence.
• DEVELOPED VOCATIONAL RELEVANCE
Participants will acquire practical skills directly relevant to elite level football management, equipping them to handle the unique challenges of the game.
1. PROGRAMME COACHING.
Each participant will be carefully matched with their Programme Coach, who will provide guidance throughout their journey, offering both support and challenge. The personalised approach ensures focused development and growth aligned with the unique needs of each participant through:
• 12 one-to-one sessions
• Referrals to wider industry experts
• Guided in-depth conversations on key subjects
2. GROUP ACTIVITIES.
Throughout the programme, participants will take part in a range of engaging group activities at leadership residentials, as well as an inspiring visit to a highperformance sporting environment
3. LEADERSHIP SHORT COURSE.
At regular intervals during the programme, your group will take part in interactive online leadership sessions focused on vital themes in leadership development. These sessions will feature insights, experiences, and practical advice from senior LMA members and prominent leaders from across the world of sport.
All sessions will be professionally facilitated by the LMA to ensure a respectful, supportive, and confidential environment where participants can share experiences, exchange ideas, and engage in open discussion with confidence.
4. BESPOKE SUPPORT & SKILLS COACHING.
Beyond your dedicated programme coaching, you will also complete a Physical Health Assessment, Psychometric Profiling Assessment, Career Audit, Media Skills
COACHING OBSERVATION
An in-situ coach observation to understand how you plan, deliver and interact with players.
PSYCHOMETRIC PROFILING
A robust and reliable assessment that provides you with a deeper understanding of your natural strengths, areas for growth, and the drivers that influence your decisions and performance.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
A bespoke, gender and age-related health assessment, including referrals to a network of special health consultants and services.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Access expert advice to enahnce your communication and presentations skills to communicate with confidence.
FOOTBALL FINANCES & CLUB STRUCTURES
Acquire an understanding of the landscape of club structures, financial management and regulations.
LANGUAGES
Improve language skills through targeted language coaching, to enhance communication with diverse teams and stakeholders.
MEDIA SKILLS EXPERIENCE
This practical session helps develop the mindset needed to thrive under media scrutiny and embrace positive engagement with the press.
PERFORMANCE LIFESTYLE AUDIT
Learn how to optimise performance and balance the demands of football management with personal wellbeing.
CAREER AUDIT
A one-off session with an LMA Career Expert. This session provides you with a personalised action plan to guide your next steps in advancing your career in football.
PERFORMANCE LIFESTYLE AUDIT
MEDIA SKILLS EXPERIENCE
CAREER AUDIT
COACHING OBSERVATION
FOOTBALL FINANCES & CLUB STRUCTURES LANGUAGES
PSYCHOMETRIC PROFILING
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PROGRAMME TIMELINE.
Opening Residential at Carden Park Hotel
Programme Coaching
Online Leadership Course
Physical Health Assesment
Psychometric Profiling
Elite Sport Performance Visit
Career Audit
Media Experience
In-Situ Coaching Observation
Performance Lifestyle Audit
Closing Residential
APPLICATION CRITERIA.
To ensure equitable access to the programme, we welcome applications from those who meet the following criteria:
• LMA Member
• Managed or coached at first-team level in the professional game within 4 years
• Hold a current UEFA Pro Licence and/or LMA Diploma in Football Management
• Demonstrate your commitment to learning and development
SELECTION
Suitable participants who meet the above criteria will be reviewed by the selection committee and may be invited to an interview.
REBECCA GENTLE
Member Services Director
Rebecca.Gentle@leaguemanagers.com
MIKE GILMORE
Member Services Manager
Mike.Gilmore@leaguemanagers.com