Guided by Delivered Across Programme Launched in Delivery Hours LMA Members
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06 In-Person Masterclasses Experts and Academics Course Assignments
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THE CONTENT AND DISCUSSIONS WITH PEERS ON THE COURSE WERE GREAT. A LOT OF WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT IN THE CLASSROOM CARRIED ON DURING DINNER BREAKS AND EVENINGS OUT, WHICH MADE THE LEARNING EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL. OVERALL, IT WAS AN AMAZING COURSE, AND IF THERE WAS A FOLLOW-UP, I’D SIGN UP AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT.
Paul Warne LMA Member
THE LMA.
Richard Bevan OBE, Chief Executive
The LMA Diploma in Football Management is a vocationally relevant and industry-leading qualification that continues to stand as a benchmark for excellence in the professional development of football leaders.
We are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with the University of Liverpool, a globally respected institution, who elevate the quality and credibility of this course. Together, we have created a learning experience that blends academic insight with the practical demands of modern football management, ensuring every participant is equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
We are dedicated to supporting our members throughout their careers. This qualification represents one of our most significant contributions to that commitment, providing managers and coaches with the knowledge, confidence and strategic capability required to lead effectively.
Our alumni are a testament to the strength of this programme. Many have gone on to achieve remarkable success across the football industry, advancing into senior leadership roles, influencing the game at the highest levels, and contributing meaningfully to the continued evolution of football management. Their achievements prove the importance of this course and the value it brings to those who undertake it.
We look forward to supporting the next cohort of diploma students as they embark on this enriching journey.
THE LMA DIPLOMA IN FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT IS AN EXCELLENT COURSE. IT COVERS AN ARRAY OF VOCATIONALLY RELEVANT TOPICS DELIVERED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS WITH CREDIBILITY IN THEIR FIELD. THE INTERACTION WITH STAFF AND PEERS WAS BRILLIANT AND MY OVERALL WELLBEING AND CAREER DRIVE HAS IMPROVED WHILST DOING THE COURSE.
Becky Langley LMA Member
THE PFA.
Maheta Molango, Chief Executive
At the PFA, our focus has always been on supporting our members both during their playing careers and as they prepare for life after football. We know the value of investing in personal and professional development, and the LMA Diploma in Football Management represents an excellent opportunity for current and aspiring managers to continue that journey.
The PFA is proud to support our members in pursuing this elite course. Through our significant contribution to the costs, we aim to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of those looking to develop the skills needed to succeed in football management. This course offers not just a formal qualification but also invaluable insights, networks, and a better understanding of leadership in the modern game.
Through initiatives like this, as well as our ongoing work in wellbeing, personal development, and career transition, we remain committed to creating meaningful pathways for our members. We believe that by reinvesting their experiences, players can continue to shape the game – on and off the pitch.
I look forward to seeing the next generation of football leaders emerge.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW.
The LMA Diploma in Football Management was launched in 2002 and has become the flagship qualification of the LMA Institute of Leadership & High Performance, sought after by managers and coaches and recognised by football club executives as part of their recruitment processes. The one-year course is accredited by the University of Liverpool and aims to compliment the game’s coaching qualifications.
It provides vocationally relevant education, equipping managers with skills to address the challenges and realities of football management, and is enhanced by insights and expertise from the LMA’s senior members.
WHO.
Current and aspiring first team managers from the professional men’s and women’s game.
STRUCTURE.
A residential week to begin the course, one-day sessions throughout the football season and a final residential week at the end of the season.
DELIVERY.
The course is made of six modules which are underpinned by the LMA Personal Development Model. The course is delivered through a range of teaching and learning methods including group debates, individual reflections, panel discussions and case studies..
WHERE.
Sessions take place at St George’s Park and the University of Liverpool as well as additional opportunities to engage in online activities and visit high performance environments.
ASSESSMENT.
In order to obtain a formal qualification, you will be required to complete a number of assessments during the course.
PRICE.
The course fee is funded by the LMA There is a contribution of £910 required from successful applicants to cover accommodation and food costs during the residential weeks.
LMA DIPLOMA
DIPLOMA ALUMNI
ACADEMICALLY ACCREDITED
The Diploma provides academic credits at undergraduate level and is accredited by the University of Liverpool.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY
The LMA is committed to diversity and inclusion across all of its programmes.
INSIGHTS FROM LMA MEMBERS
Regular opportunities to engage with and hear from experienced managers to help embed learning.
COURSE PRINCIPLES.
GUIDED BY THE LMA PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL
The Diploma focuses on the categories of ‘You’, ‘Your Team’ and ‘The Industry’ ensuring it compliments the game’s coaching qualifications.
VOCATIONALLY RELEVANT
The course content is aligned to the practical realities of football management in the modern game.
COURSE OUTCOMES.
The LMA Diploma in Football Management provides vocationally relevant education, equipping managers with skills to address the challenges and realities of football management.
FORMAL QUALIFICATION
Students obtain a Diploma in Applied Football Management from the University of Liverpool and attend a formal graduation ceremony with other university students.
SELF-AWARENESS
Students will graduate with a deeper understanding of themselves, their own leadership style and approach to management.
PREPARED FOR MANAGEMENT
The Diploma prepares managers and coaches for the challenges and realities of professional football management.
PEER SUPPORT NETWORK
Students will meet and work alongside other coaches and managers during the course, building relationships and providing a network of support for the future.
I LOVED THE COURSE AND GENUINELY LEARNED A HUGE AMOUNT, BOTH FROM THE CORE CONTENT AND THE WAY IT WAS DELIVERED. THE COURSE SPEAKERS WERE AMAZING AND SHARED REAL, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS THAT WILL STICK FOR A LONG TIME. BEING SURROUNDED BY FANTASTIC PEOPLE MADE IT A MEMORABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE SEEKING A CAREER IN FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT.
Conor Hourihane LMA Member
LMA PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL.
The LMA Diploma in Football Management course modules are guided by the LMA’s Personal Development Model, with a specific focus on the subjects within You, Your Team and The Industry.
The model provides a simple, holistic overview to the four pillars of personal development that are relevant to coaches and managers in professional football.
The model is underpinned by a blend of academic research and real-life LMA member experiences, and is aligned with the game’s collective Coach Excellence Framework.
YOU focuses on your personal and professional development, encompassing self-awareness and wellbeing. It emphasises the importance of building a strong foundation to sustain high performance and achieve your ambitions.
YOUR TEAM concentrates on your role and responsibilities as a leader, emphasising the importance of building, managing and inspiring a team for success. By understanding the dynamics of effective leadership and team dynamics, you can guide your team to consistently perform at their best and achieve its goals.
THE INDUSTRY explores the wider football landscape and its impact on your role as a football manager. By understanding these external factors, you can make informed decisions, adapt to changes and manage effectively in the dynamic environment of football.
THE GAME focuses on your technical knowledge of football and sporting performance and the framework that shapes this. This pillar equips you with the tools to enhance performance and drive success on the pitch.
MODULES: YOU.
MARKETING YOURSELF IN FOOTBALL
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key concepts in marketing and personal branding and involves the practical application of knowledge and skills as they relate to football.
Students will develop awareness and understanding and reflect upon the ways in which they might best market themselves within the football industry. Additionally, students will develop the skills to prepare themselves for interviews and enhance their career potential.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Personal Branding
Interviews and CVs
Public Speaking
Media Training
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To understand and critically reflect upon key marketing concepts, personal branding and how these relate to football.
To understand the ways in which football executives market themselves through media, interviews and CVs.
To develop media strategy and skills.
To develop public speaking and interview skills.
YOU: ASSESSMENTS:
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN FOOTBALL
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concept of personal effectiveness and develop their understanding of psychological and physiological resilience and wellbeing.
Students will develop knowledge of how to assess and minimise their levels of stress, recognising key techniques and tools to manage their mental and physical wellbeing. Students will develop an understanding of the core mental health foundations, including the difference between mental health and illness and the Mental Health Continuum. Students will learn about the neuroscience that underpins mental health and wellbeing and develop practical techniques and coping strategies to deal with stress and pressure, to maximise their own performance.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Recognising Signs and Symptoms of Stress,
How to Maximise Psychological and Physiological Resilience
Time Management
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To understand psychological and physiological symptoms of stress.
To understand how best to minimise the impacts of stress and when and how to seek help.
To understand indicators of physiological wellbeing and how to maximise psychological and physiological resilience.
To improve time management skills
MODULES: YOUR TEAM.
MANAGING PEOPLE IN FOOTBALL
The aim of this module is to develop key knowledge and skills for the management of people within the football industry.
Students will develop the knowledge and skills to manage relationships upwards, sideways and downwards. This will include developing the skill to communicate with football executives, Boards of Directors and owners, as well as to media, fans, players and staff. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of how best to influence those with whom they need to build relationships and how to negotiate win-win outcomes. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of how best to manage difficult people and conflict as well as learning effective strategies when managing upwards, including how to build credibility and positive relationships.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Managing Up
Influence and Negotiation
Managing Conflict
Leading a Diverse Team
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To identify and understand the key stakeholders that football executives need to manage.
To understand the need to manage upwards and sideways as well as down.
To enable students to develop skills and knowledge on how best to influence and negotiate to create win-win outcomes.
YOUR TEAM: ASSESSMENTS:
Individual Assignment: Managing People In Football Group Assignment: Football Operations Study Visit
FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
This module seeks to introduce students to the operational elements of football management and coaching.
This will include developing an understanding of how to create an effective multi-disciplinary team to support a high performing team. As such, the module aims to enable students to understand how best to set up and manage backroom staff and the football department of football clubs. Furthermore, students will develop the knowledge and skills to identify and use Key Performance Indicators to measure and review progress towards objectives. Students will also develop an understanding of project management and how to successfully lead football operations.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Football Operations
Setting and Measuring KPIs in Football
Creating Effective Backroom Teams
Creating High performance environments
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To understand the key areas of football operations.
To enable students to set up and manage successful backroom teams.
To be able to identify KPIs and measure and review progress towards these.
MODULES: THE INDUSTRY.
FOOTBALL FINANCE
The aim of this module is to introduce students to finance and data analysis in the football industry.
This module will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of financial concepts and techniques as well as providing opportunities for students to apply this newly acquired knowledge to the football industry. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to be able to understand and interpret the key financial tools used in football business, including balance sheets, profit and loss, cash flow, and key ratios. Furthermore, through completion of this module students will be able to recognise the fundamental financial challenges facing football clubs at all levels, including Footballs Financial Fair Play Regulations and amortisation.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Balance Sheet
Profit and Loss Statement
Cash Flow Forecast
Key Ratios in Football Finance
Footballs Financial Fair play Regulations
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To understand and utilise key financial documents including balance sheets, cash flow forecasts and profit and loss Statements as they apply to the football industry.
To understand key ratios in football such as wages to turnover and their implications for clubs.
To understand and critically reflect upon Footballs Financial Fair play strategy.
THE INDUSTRY: ASSESSMENTS:
Group Assignment: Football Finance
Final Project: Football Strategy
FOOTBALL STRATEGY
This module aims to introduce students to concepts of strategy and the role of the leader within strategy development, implementation and review.
During this module students will develop their knowledge of the governance structures in football, as well as increasing their understanding of who the key stakeholders are in football and their role in relation to a football manager. Additionally, students will be introduced to key models and theories within strategy, governance and leadership in football. This will enable students to apply models and concepts from theory to the football context and to draw meaningful insights from these.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Strategy and Structure in Football Clubs
Game Regulations
Governance Models in Football Clubs
Understanding Key Stakeholders in Football
Leadership in Football
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
To develop knowledge and understanding of the strategy and structure of football clubs.
To understand and critically reflect upon the different aims and priorities of the major stakeholders within football.
To evaluate and critically reflect upon the different models of leadership in football and what makes a successful leader in the football context.
THE DIPLOMA IS THE BEST COURSE IN FOOTBALL. ITS UNIQUE STYLE DELIVERS A DEEPER LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND I USE SO MUCH THAT I LEARNT IN EVERY DAY OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT. IT’S A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY MANAGER.
Gareth Ainsworth LMA Member
COURSE CALENDAR.
It is important that you are able to attend all of the course dates listed below:
Opening Residential Week
Monday 15th – Friday 20th June 2026, University of Liverpool
One-day Sessions
10am – 4pm, St George’s Park
• Wednesday 16th September 2026, St. George’s Park
• Wednesday 14th October 2026, St. George’s Park
• Wednesday 18th November 2026, St. George’s Park
• Wednesday 13th January 2027, St George’s Park
• Wednesday 10th February 2027, St. George’s Park
• Wednesday 10th March 2027, St. George’s Park
Study Visit
March / April 2027
Closing Residential Week
Tuesday 8th – Friday 11th June 2027, University of Liverpool
*Please note all dates and times are subject to change.
ENTRY CRITERIA.
The LMA Diploma is for current and aspiring first team managers from the professional men’s and women’s game. Applications are welcome from football professionals who meet the following criteria:
Applicants must hold a current UEFA A coaching licence, with priority given to those held with the English FA
Applicants should have experience working at first team level within the English professional game
Applicants should be committed to managing and coaching at first team level in the future
Priority will be given to LMA members
SELECTION.
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
The LMA positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, belief and gender.
To apply for the LMA Diploma in Football Management 2026-2027, you will need to complete the online application form:
are expected to close at 5pm on Monday 2nd February 2026. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
COURSE CONTACTS.
REBECCA GENTLE
League Managers Association
Member Services Director
Rebecca.Gentle@leaguemanagers.com
PROFESSOR DAVID COCKAYNE
University of Liverpool
Programme Director
ulmsdcc@liverpool.ac.uk
PROFESSOR SUE BRIDGEWATER
Professor Emeritus, University of Liverpool
Programme Lead
Sue.Bridgewater@liverpool.ac.uk
St George’s Park is home to the League Managers Association.
