Albufeira, Portugal – Representatives from football coaches’ associations across three continents convened in Albufeira, Portugal, this week to discuss the formation of a global governing body for the profession. The meetings, held March 30-31, 2026, at the invitation of the Associação Nacional de Treinadores de Futebol (ANTF) of Portugal, signal a growing movement to strengthen the institutional representation of coaches within the international football landscape.
The central theme of the discussions revolved around the need for a unified international association capable of safeguarding the professional interests of football coaches and elevating their standing within the global football system. Participants unanimously acknowledged the increasing scale and complexity of the profession, and the corresponding need for a more effective, coordinated, and officially recognized international structure.
“The game is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and technical leadership must keep pace with that evolution,” said Henrique Calisto, president of the ANTF, during the opening session. He emphasized the importance of collective strength within the profession, stating, “No coach grows alone. The strength of a coach lies in their team and the ability to question convictions and learn continuously.”
The ANTF, which represents approximately 9,500 coaches – including around 400 working abroad – hosted the forum as part of its ongoing efforts to support and advocate for its members. The organization is officially recognized by the Portuguese Football Federation.
The meeting brought together representatives from a diverse range of national coaches’ associations, including those from Italy (Associazione Italiana Allenatori Calcio), the Netherlands (Coaches Betaald Voetbal), France (Union Nationale des Entraîneurs et Cadres Techniques Professionnels du Football), Germany (Bund Deutscher Fussball-Lehrer), Turkey (Türkiye Futbol Antrenörleri Derneği), England (League Managers Association), Spain (Comité de Entrenadores de España), Brazil (Federação Brasileira de Treinadores de Futebol), and Angola (Associação de Treinadores de Futebol de Angola). This broad representation underscores the international scope of the initiative.
To move the process forward, attendees agreed to establish an International Working Group. This group will be tasked with developing a comprehensive proposal outlining the governance model and statutes of the future organization. The proposal will aim to define the structure, responsibilities, and operational framework of the modern association.
The creation of a global coaches’ association has been discussed for some time within football circles, driven by a desire to address issues such as standardized coaching qualifications, professional development opportunities, and representation in discussions with governing bodies like FIFA. Currently, coaches’ interests are often represented through national associations, but a global body could provide a more unified and powerful voice on international matters.
Albufeira, designated as the European City of Sport for 2026, provided a fitting backdrop for the discussions. The city is hosting the ANTF Forum, which is recognized by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) and offers credit units for professional development. The event, held at the Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Conference Centre, also featured prominent figures in Portuguese football, including Nuno Espírito Santo, Bino Maçães, Carlos Carvalhal, Paulo Fonseca, Leonardo Jardim, Rui Borges, and José Luís Mendes. The forum included lectures, workshops, and panel discussions focused on current trends in sports training.
The need for a stronger voice for coaches comes at a time of significant change within the sport. The increasing tactical sophistication of the game, the growing influence of data analytics, and the demands of a globalized football calendar all contribute to the challenges faced by coaches at all levels. A unified international association could play a crucial role in supporting coaches as they navigate these complexities.
The establishment of the International Working Group marks the beginning of a potentially transformative process for the coaching profession. The group’s operate will be closely watched by coaches and stakeholders around the world as they seek to build a more sustainable and equitable future for football leadership. The next steps involve detailed planning and consultation with national associations to ensure the new organization effectively represents the diverse needs of coaches globally.
The ANTF will continue to lead the initiative, coordinating efforts and facilitating communication between the participating associations. Further updates on the progress of the International Working Group are expected in the coming months.
The forum in Albufeira represents a significant step towards establishing coaches as qualified and institutionally relevant stakeholders within the global football system. The creation of a global association promises to empower coaches, enhance their professional development, and strengthen their collective voice in shaping the future of the beautiful game.
What’s Next: The International Working Group will begin its work immediately, with a preliminary proposal for the governance model and statutes expected to be presented within six months. The ANTF will provide regular updates on the group’s progress.
