High Performance Coach Development Programme applications open for 2026/27
England Futsal’s premier coach development programme returns for another season, designed to identify, nurture, mentor and support ambitious futsal coaches who are actively working with players in both training and competitive environments.
Image credit: Ben Ellison - Instagram: @benpanna_media
Following a highly successful 2025/26 season, which saw 14 coaches successfully complete the programme, the England Futsal High Performance Coach Mentoring Programme is returning for another year.
Building on the impact of previous cohorts, the programme continues its commitment to developing coaches across the game who are passionate about their craft and dedicated to creating outstanding learning experiences for players, with a slight change in the title to reflect the broad nature of the supported offered through this programme.
The High Performance Coach Development Programme is a strategic coach development initiative designed to identify, nurture, mentor and support ambitious futsal coaches who are actively working with players in both training and competitive environments.
Each cohort consists of up to 15 selected coaches who embark on a unique learning journey that combines mentoring, education, reflection and practical application.
Through a carefully designed blend of individual support and collaborative learning, coaches are challenged to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their coaching practice, and better understand how their behaviours, interactions and interventions influence player development.
The programme aims to help coaches align what they know with how they coach, equipping them with the tools and confidence to deliver exceptional coaching experiences.
The programme is led by England Futsal's High Performance Coach Developer, Will Roberts, and supported by Siôn Kitson, Head of Development and Technical.
At the heart of the programme sits the England Futsal Pride DNA Framework, which provides a consistent, player-centred approach to coach development across the performance pathway which through this programme we aim to share, educate and inspire coaches who span grassroots to national league environments.
Participants gain valuable insight into the principles, behaviours, and methodologies that underpin England Futsal's coaching and player development philosophy.
England Futsal High Performance Coach Development Programme
The deadline to apply to be part of the 2026/27 class is midnight on Tuesday 14th July.
Programme Features
Direct Mentoring
Personalised support and guidance from experienced coach mentors through both remote and in-situ mentoring opportunities.
Expert Webinar Series
Access to a comprehensive programme of online learning, featuring guest presenters from leading domestic and international futsal environments, as well as experts from wider sporting contexts.
Coach Development Learning Events
Interactive face-to-face learning experiences that encourage curiosity, reflection, discussion, and exploration of contemporary coaching themes.
National Pathway Observations
Opportunities to observe England Futsal performance pathway environments and see the Pride DNA framework in action, supporting the development of both players and coaches.
Professional Network Development
The chance to collaborate with a cohort of like-minded coaches, share best practice, and build meaningful professional relationships across the futsal community.
The return of the High Performance Coach Development Programme represents another significant investment in coaching excellence and our aspiration to grow and educate the futsal coaching workforce.
By supporting coaches to develop not only their knowledge, but also the way they apply that knowledge in practice, the programme aims to create a lasting impact on players, teams and environments across the game.
If you are regularly coaching futsal at youth or senior level and are committed to developing how you coach alongside growing your knowledge, this programme could be the next step in your coaching journey.
For further information and details on how to apply, please click this link to access the application pack.
The application window closes at midnight on Tuesday 14th July. Selected coaches will then be invited to attend an online induction session in September.
