Xbox and Sports Interactive, the creators of the popular Football Manager series, have partnered to launch the “Missing managers” campaign, aiming to increase the number of female coaches ⁤in professional football. The initiative will award up to 11 scholarships to fund UEFA coaching licenses ⁤and provide hands-on experience at a professional club⁤ through The Powerhouse Project. A⁤ groundbreaking element of the campaign is that each scholarship recipient⁢ will be incorporated as a coach within the next iteration of the Football Manager game.

The campaign directly addresses the notable under-depiction of women in football coaching roles. according to UEFA data from 2023, only 3.5% of coaches holding‍ the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification ⁤- are women. UEFA Pro Licence numbers continue to grow This disparity highlights the need for increased access to ⁤training and opportunities for aspiring ⁢female coaches.

Industry Leaders Endorse the ⁣Initiative

Emma Hayes, recently appointed as the head coach of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT)⁣ and serving as a Campaign Ambassador, emphasized the importance of creative solutions to address ⁣the lack of female representation⁤ in coaching. “I’ve spoken many times about the need to come up with creative ways to address the lack of female coaches in football. This campaign is a ‍great example of how we can reach more women,giving them the education and confidence to pursue⁣ their dreams. With the right opportunities, we will see female coaching flourish at the top level in the years to come,” Hayes stated. Source: Sport Industry ⁢Biz

Mohan Gehlot, Senior Marketing Manager at Xbox, explained the synergy between the campaign⁢ and the inclusion of the women’s game ‍in Football Manager. “What better way to celebrate the debut of the women’s game in Football manager than by supporting players to take the first steps on their real-life coaching journey? We want to see the momentum that’s behind women’s football reflected in better representation across all levels of the sport.That’s ⁣why we’re looking forward to finding our Missing Managers,” Gehlot said. Source: Sport Industry Biz

The Powerhouse project and Scholarship Details

The Powerhouse Project, a network dedicated to advancing women in football, will play a crucial role in providing practical experience for‍ the scholarship winners. The ⁤project connects aspiring female coaches with professional clubs, offering mentorship and opportunities to observe and‍ assist in real-world coaching environments. Learn more about The Powerhouse Project

The UEFA coaching licenses ⁣covered by the‍ scholarship ⁣include the B, A, and Pro licenses, representing a extensive pathway⁤ to ⁣professional qualification. ‍ The inclusion ⁤of the winners as coaches in Football Manager is a⁢ unique benefit, offering them visibility and recognition within