Academy Management and Talent Development

Designed for ambitious football professionals — including academy directors, heads of recruitment, and development staff — this advanced programme focuses on the strategic and operational demands of running a high-performing football academy. Across two core modules, participants explore academy management and operations, talent identification, recruitment strategy, personalised player development planning, loan management, and relationship-building with agents and families. Real-world case studies and hands-on modules aim to equip learners with both strategic insight and practical leadership skills.

The programme is delivered entirely online in a live, flexible format over four weeks, requiring approximately four to six hours of study per week. Participants receive lifetime access to course materials and earn a certificate upon completion. The course is led by Tommy Wilson, Technical Director at Charlotte FC and former founding Academy Director at Philadelphia Union, where he oversaw the development of more than 30 players who progressed to professional contracts. The programme is delivered by FOCUS Sports Education.