The stars of tomorrow from all corners of the world are testing their skills on the pitch this month at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ in Morocco. Meanwhile, away from the pitch, there are similar learnings taking place for a range of inspirational participants at the FIFA Women in Football Leadership event in the capital, Rabat.

Led by senior leaders from FIFA, the FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme is designed to address the need for more female representation in football’s decision-making bodies across all levels of the game. It is one of 13 Women’s Football Development Programmes offered to FIFA’s 211 Member Associations (MAs).

Fifty participants representing all six confederations convened in the Moroccan capital for a concentrated four-day learning programme. The participants have also had an opportunity to watch the exciting matches of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as well as visit the FIFA office in Rabat.

Hosted between 18 and 21 October, the programme coincided with the opening week of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™. Assembled in Rabat alongside graduates of cohort two were an equal number of new faces enjoying their first experience as part of cohort three. FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA Council Member, Dr Johanna Wood, and representatives of FIFA’s Women’s Football division were also in attendance.

“Congratulations to all the participants who came together in Rabat,” said Ms Bareman. “Bringing our two cohorts together has been an invaluable opportunity for these amazing women, from all corners of the globe, to learn from one another, share experiences and build relationships with other women who are passionate about shaping the future of football.

“As a graduate of this programme myself, I know first-hand the impact it can have. It helped shape my own journey, and I genuinely believe I would not be in the role I am today without it. My hope is that everyone leaves Rabat with new perspectives, stronger connections and a renewed belief in what they can achieve – because when we empower more women to lead, we strengthen our entire game.”

Among the graduating class was Mariana Gutiérrez Bernárdez, President of Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, who hailed the solidarity and inspiration of a diverse group all united by one goal.

“I would define [the experience] as magical,” she said. “I just know that I have to go back to Mexico and [with] everything I've learned here, not only share that, but try to make women thrive for the power they have in themselves.

“There are people that I admire so deeply, a lot of respect for them, but I saw their transformation process. I saw how they began to lead with purpose and how it actually impacted me.

“I would say that this type of programme reminds you that you have the power in you. I have always [thought] about women's football… being part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.”

Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, Head of Women’s Football Development at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said: “Leadership is not just about the position, I believe, but I think the kind of legacy or the impact or the inspiration that you’ll be able to leave for the people you’re leading.

“I hold it (in) very high esteem to be part of this programme. I have learned a lot, [and] I have had one-on-one communications with almost every participant in cohort two. Through that, it has expanded my idea of thinking, planning, and how to execute my projects in my role at the GFA.”

With less than a year until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Infrastructure Asset Director, Catherine Cunha Veloso had some special insights about the potential for women’s football – and women in football - to exponentially grow and leave a long-term legacy.

“When I started taking leadership positions, I began to question myself more,” she said. “I want to learn more about leadership skills, and having worked predominantly in a male-dominated environment, I also found myself comparing [myself] with my male colleagues.

“So, this programme was an opportunity for me. I wanted to develop my leadership skills and learn from women facing similar or different challenges in football. I learned here that I could be a good leader in different styles, and I learned a lot of tools that can be helpful in my leadership career.

“I think this (FIFA Women’s) World Cup will increase the visibility of women’s football and accelerate the development in many different ways. I hope this impact will extend beyond Brazil’s borders, inspiring girls to know they could belong in any environment they choose to be part of, even football – inside or outside the field of play.”

FIFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme participants

Second cohort

Briana Harvey (Australia), Amio Mavaega-Luvu (American Samoa), Laura Andrea Sánchez (Argentina), Garin Shorjian (Armenia), Dyane Wiersma (Aruba), Gulbanu Isayeva (Azerbaijan), Catherine Negreiros Carneiro C. Veloso (Brazil), Latoya Dacosta (Concacaf), Teretia Teinaki (Cook Islands), Laura Jurcevic (Croatia), Laura Christensen Hald (Denmark), Ketevan Kipiani (Georgia), Christin May (Germany), Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong (Ghana), Ramadhana Wulandiani (Indonesia), Mariana Gutiérrez Bernárdez (Mexico), Aleyda Isabel Lira Tucket (Nicaragua), Silvia Caballero Greco (Paraguay), Abrar Al Kaabi (Aramco), Shirley Martin (Scotland), Nogaye Diongue (Senegal), Examin Philbert (St Lucia), Nesrine Laamari (Tunisia), Yuliya Panina (Uzbekistan).

Third cohort

Faten Abi Faraj (Lebanon), Arphawan Sungsiri (Thailand), Samira Al Shukaili (Oman), Yevgeniya Spirina (Turkmenistan), Libby Turner (Aramco), Ampaire Sheba Ronah (Uganda), Aubierge Immaculee Senan Agbakou (Benin), Fatoumata binta berete (Guinea), Jacqueline Kamwamu (Tanzania), Malo Petula Sophia Fernande (Central African Republic), Milcah Modong Yuggs (South Sudan), Alisha Cummings (Guyana), Aracely Garcia Ramos (Guatemala), Candia Ewing (Turks and Caicos Islands), Carlene Edwards (Jamaica), Andreina Pelaez (Venezuela), Ivonett Paredes Peredo (Peru), Mei Nagaoka (CONMEBOL), Tatiana Burgos Torres (Ecuador), Veronica Numbela Rios (Bolivia), Sepiuta Akanesi (Tonga), Clare Daniels (England), Dorottya Dénes (Hungary), Jadranka Pavičević (Montenegro), Patrycja Maciąg (Poland).