CONMEBOL and UEFA Launch New Women’s Football Leadership Programme
Paraguay.- 30 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com CONMEBOL and UEFA have launched the third edition of their Women’s Football Leadership Programme, a joint initiative designed to strengthen the professional development and representation of women across the football industry.
The new edition will take place in Asunción, Paraguay, from 7 to 13 March 2027 and will bring together participants from football organisations across South America and Europe.
Applications Open
Applications will remain open until 10 September 2026.
The programme is aimed at women who already occupy leadership positions within football as well as professionals with the potential and motivation to assume greater responsibilities in the future.
The selection process is designed to create a diverse group representing different roles, organisations and professional backgrounds.
Third Edition
The initiative forms part of the cooperation agreement between CONMEBOL and UEFA.
The 2027 programme will be the third edition jointly delivered by the two confederations.
It is intended to provide an established platform for training, knowledge exchange and professional networking among women working across football.
Asunción to Host Programme
The third edition will be staged in Asunción from 7 to 13 March 2027.
Hosting the programme in Paraguay strengthens its connection with CONMEBOL’s institutional structure and will bring participants from different countries together for an intensive week of development.
The format will combine training, reflection and networking.
Professional Development
The programme is designed to strengthen skills that can help participants progress within their organisations and assume greater responsibility.
Key objectives include:
- Leadership development.
- Greater self-awareness.
- Management skills.
- Professional networking.
- Exchange of experiences.
- Preparation for decision-making positions.
Self-Awareness as a Leadership Tool
Self-awareness will remain one of the programme’s central themes.
Participants will examine their individual strengths, challenges and leadership styles.
The approach is intended to provide tools that can be applied directly within federations, clubs, confederations and other sporting organisations.
Coaching and Training
Previous editions combined structured learning with personalised coaching and strategic-reflection exercises.
The new programme continues that development-focused approach.
The format addresses both practical leadership skills and the specific challenges faced by women seeking to consolidate their positions within football management.
Building International Networks
Networking is another major component of the initiative.
Participants will have opportunities to establish relationships with colleagues from different countries, organisations and professional backgrounds.
These connections are intended to continue beyond the week-long programme and contribute to a wider international network of women leaders in football.
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cooperation
The project forms part of the strategic cooperation between the two confederations.
Through UEFA Together, both organisations have developed knowledge-exchange initiatives covering different areas of football.
The leadership programme extends that cooperation into executive development, governance and diversity.
Previous Edition in Buenos Aires
The second edition was held from 2 to 6 March 2026 at the Argentine Football Association headquarters in Buenos Aires.
That programme brought together women from South America and Europe for leadership training, coaching, strategic reflection and professional networking.
The new edition in Paraguay will continue that development pathway.
Women in Decision-Making Roles
Increasing female representation in executive and decision-making positions remains an important challenge across football.
The growth of the women’s game requires more than increasing the number of players and competitions.
It also requires stronger representation in areas including:
- Governance.
- Administration.
- Football development.
- Marketing.
- Operations.
- Strategy.
- Institutional leadership.
Leadership Beyond the Pitch
The programme reflects a broader understanding of women’s football development.
Professionalisation also depends on opportunities for coaches, administrators, executives and specialist professionals.
Strengthening these structures can help ensure that sporting growth is supported by sustainable institutional development.
Industry Context
Women’s football is experiencing significant international expansion driven by increased investment, new competitions and growing audiences.
However, the representation of women within senior management structures continues to be a challenge for clubs, federations and international governing bodies.
Leadership programmes can help address that gap through training, mentoring and access to professional networks.
Next Steps or Impact
Applications will remain open until 10 September 2026.
Selected participants will travel to Asunción for the programme from 7 to 13 March 2027.
The third edition will expand the network of women prepared to occupy strategic positions across football while strengthening cooperation between South America and Europe in leadership, governance and professional development.
Editó: Cristobal R.
