The FA in collaboration with UEFA and The PFA have announced the names of 17 current and former players who will be working on their UEFA A licence. 

The UEFA A licence is the highest practical coaching award available, and aims to develop technically and tactically proficient coaches capable of nurturing players to perform effectively in the modern game.

The announced list is the first-ever all-female cohort for the course.

Representing clubs from across the country, the full group includes:

  • Karen Bardsley
  • Izzy Christiansen
  • Cheryl Edwards
  • Lisa Evans
  • Sophie Harris
  • Steph Houghton
  • Sophie Howard
  • Kim Little
  • Sandy MacIver
  • Aoife Mannion
  • Beth Mead
  • Vivianne Miedema
  • Zećira Mušović
  • Samantha Tierney
  • Lia Wälti

The course is fully funded by The PFA, UEFA and The FA and began this week with a two-day residential ‘camp’ at St. George’s Park.

The FA have said it is part of a ‘collective commitment to increasing female coaching opportunities.’

Zećira Mušović, Chelsea and Sweden goalkeeper said: “Taking the UEFA A Licence course is part of me becoming a leader.

”I want to develop every aspect of myself, become the best version of myself and the best possible leader I can be.”

Pic by Matt Lewis – The FA

The course has been tailored to fit around the playing schedules of professional players, which means more females than ever are able to participate.

Building on the content of the UEFA B Licence, on the next rung down, the A Licence course covers the principles of play in the 11v11 game, enhancing understanding of modern trends, strategies, and tactics.

Scotland international, Lisa Evans said: “My biggest motivation, pure and simple, is love of the game.

”I want to bring everything I have learnt as a player into being a coach or some other aspect of football.

”Having done my UEFA B Licence I was keen to progress to my A Licence, and the fact that this is available has been a huge incentive to do the course, so I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.”


Featured image courtesy of Matt Lewis/The FA.

By Emilie Mwanza

Founder of Beyond The 90. Trainee multimedia journalist based in Preston.