Barriers to Women's Coaching in Football: The Struggle for Pro Licences

Mariana Cabral, a seasoned coach from São Miguel in the Azores, has faced significant obstacles in her pursuit of a Pro Licence, which is essential for advancing to senior coaching roles in women's football. Despite her experience leading teams like Benfica and Sporting, Cabral has found herself unable to secure a spot in Pro Licence courses, which are increasingly necessary as women's football gains prominence. “I had two offers in Spain and one in Saudi Arabia, but they all wanted the Pro Licence. They’re opportunities that have just gone down the drain,” she stated, highlighting her frustration with the current system.

The Guardian

The admission criteria for Pro Licence courses, governed by UEFA but influenced by national associations, often prioritize coaching in men's football. Cabral noted that while UEFA has made strides to increase female representation—reserving 10% of course spots for qualified women—many qualified female candidates still struggle to gain access. The limited number of available spots has not kept pace with the growing demand for women coaches, leading to a bottleneck in career advancement. “It’s really hard when you get to the high coaching badges... the Pro is the worst though because there are so few spots on the courses,” Cabral explained.

The Guardian

The financial burden of obtaining a Pro Licence, which can cost up to €15,000, further complicates the situation. Additionally, the lack of a centralized system for course information forces coaches to navigate multiple federations to find suitable opportunities. This fragmented approach can deter potential candidates, particularly women who may already face additional challenges in their coaching careers.

The Guardian

Beyond the qualification hurdles, Cabral has also encountered difficulties related to working conditions within clubs. She described her experience at Sporting, where she fought for basic resources, stating, “Having to fight every day for basic conditions is tough.” This struggle for recognition and support can lead many women to reconsider their coaching careers, especially those who may take breaks for family reasons. Some coaches have paused their careers only to find it increasingly difficult to re-enter the field, leading to a loss of talent in the sport.

The Guardian

UEFA has acknowledged the need for improved diversity and representation in coaching, implementing a scholarship scheme as part of its coach development program for women. However, critics like Cabral argue that these measures are insufficient to address the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women's progress in coaching roles.

The Guardian

• “Who won the Euros? Who won the Champions League? Women – but we are losing so many.” — Mariana Cabral, Coach

The Guardian

• “The Pro is the worst though because there are so few spots on the courses.” — Mariana Cabral, Coach

The Guardian

• “Having to fight every day for basic conditions is tough.” — Mariana Cabral, Coach

The Guardian

The challenges faced by women like Mariana Cabral in obtaining Pro Licences and securing equitable working conditions underscore the need for systemic reform in football coaching. As women's football continues to grow, addressing these barriers will be essential to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for aspiring female coaches.

The Guardian