The Football Association is excited to be advertising for the Mentee Development Programme for the 2026/2027 season.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROGRAMME VIDEO
The Mentee Development Programme is a learning and development work experience and mentorship programme which offers a unique environment for ambitious coaches to broaden their understanding of player and coach development within the elite game. Through a combination of practical experiences, collaborative learning, and exposure to high-performance environments, coaches will gain valuable insights into contemporary approaches used across the talent pathway, accelerating their progress into the professional game.
Alongside these experiences, coaches will be supported in their personal and professional growth through bespoke tailored development opportunities, expert guidance, and ongoing reflection. The programme encourages the sharing of ideas and best practice, helping participants build strong networks while developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress within the game.
Applicants wishing to apply must be actively coaching; male applicants must hold a UEFA B Diploma, working towards a UEFA A Diploma. Female applicants must hold a UEFA C Diploma, working towards a UEFA B Diploma. Please upload evidence of your qualifications with your CV.
The Mentee Development Programme is unpaid; however, all reasonable programme-related expenses will be covered. The programme runs from September to June, and participants will be expected to commit approximately 20 days over the course of the programme, with a September start and June finish. In order to get the most out of the programme, you will be expected to commit approximately 20 days over the course of the programme, which include both weekend and weekday dates. Further details regarding dates will be shared with shortlisted applicants later in the process.
Please note that if shortlisted, a full assessment day at St George's Park on Wednesday 26th August is compulsory; this will include an interview and practical day. There will also be a compulsory induction date on the 9th of September at St George's Park.
We are committed to building a coaching workforce that reflects the diversity of the game and the communities it serves. As part of this commitment, we particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from Black, Asian and historically underrepresented ethnic communities.
The Football Association are the governing body of football in Engand. The FA are responsible for ensuring that all the leagues within the country are fair and uphold specific standards. They are also responsible for overseeing, promoting and developing English football at all levels, including youth grassroots amateur and semi-pro leagues, as well as elite professional leagues.
The FA was established on 26 October 1863 as the British Football Association, before changing its name to The English FA in December 1910. Currently the Football Association is responsible for all legalities involving football played in England and it's also considered as their national governing body which is based in London, UK. The main responsibility of this organization is to run all leagues as well as provide support with coaching and facilities so they can help grow the game at all levels.
The FA are based out of Wembley Stadium and St George's Park
Wembley Stadium is the largest stadium in the UK, and with a capacity of over 90,000 is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It is the playing venue of the English national team and also hosts such notable games as the League Cup final, FA Cup final, and Community Shield.
The current stadium was officially opened in 2007, replacing the original 1923-built Wembley Stadium which stood on the same site.
St. George’s Park, The FA's National Football Centre, is located in Burton-on-Trent and is an education and research centre giving future generations of English football coaches the fundamentals they need to effectively coach in their communities.
The £105m St George's Park, an impressive 330-acre facility, has 11 outdoor pitches, including an exact replica of the pitch at Wembley Stadium, as well as an altitude chamber that allows them to mimic playing conditions in different stadia around the world.