For the first time since 2009, the two governing bodies held a technical workshop. The three-day event focused on intensifying the partnership and developing the technical director role in Europe’s national associations.

The workshop was led by Jamie Houchen and Frank Ludolph, who head FIFA’s and UEFA’s technical development departments respectively, with each organization responsible for individual thematic blocks.

“It’s fantastic to bring the two organizations together to jointly support our technical directors,” Houchen said. “This is the beginning of a long-term investment in the professional development of technical directors. Our goal is to tailor this support to the role and individual needs of technical directors in Europe. We intend to achieve this with a new training path and professional qualification.”

Ludolph, who has worked for UEFA for more than 20 years, reiterated the importance of technical directors to the future development of soccer in Europe. “The role and influence of technical directors is crucial. This is true not only for the national environment, but also for the future of European soccer. Technical directors have a key role to play because they are responsible for drawing up and managing the technical development programs in their respective national associations.”

Ludolph stressed the importance of technical directors being proactive in their role. He reminded participants that top coaches were trying to win the next game, while technical directors were striving to master the next decade.

Marians Pahars, who was appointed technical director of the Latvian Football Association six months ago, was among those participants in Leeds who have only recently taken office. Pahars, formerly a striker for the Latvian national team and Southampton FC, was keen to learn from his more experienced colleagues in order to implement his own beliefs in Latvian soccer.

“I am a basically open person and I like to share experiences,” Pahars explained. “I share my knowledge and if someone needs certain information, I am happy to pass it on.”

You never stop learning, as successful national associations like Switzerland, whose men’s national team has qualified for the last five World Cup finals, can attest. “It is important for me to learn and improve,” said Patrick Bruggmann of the Swiss Football Association (SFV). “This is the perfect opportunity to meet colleagues and talk about problems and solutions so I can develop as a technical director.”

In July, England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and as part of the workshop, delegates had the opportunity to witness the hosts’ 4-0 semifinal victory over Sweden. The English performance highlighted the evolution of women’s soccer and was of particular interest to John McDermott, technical director of the English Football Association. “The technical and physical strength of the players was simply remarkable,” McDermott said.

“In the end, England prevailed, but the quality of play throughout the tournament was really high. Among colleagues in whose countries women’s soccer is not yet at the same level of development as it is here in England, we all agreed that this final tournament opened doors.”

Hansruedi Hasler, who had made a name for himself as a former technical director at the SFV, aptly summed it up: “Technical director is probably the most beautiful job there is.” He also encouraged all participants to take up the challenge and make a long-term contribution to the further development of soccer and the national associations.