Program Overview

Introduction to the Sports Director Expert in Football Program

The Sports Director Expert in Football program is designed to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in sports management, specifically in the field of football. This program is a response to the need for professionals with the knowledge and technical profile to effectively manage football clubs and respond to the demands of the professional soccer sports system.

Objectives

The main objective of the program is to train professionals in sports management within the field of football, improving and strengthening the structures of football clubs and enhancing the professional and personal skills of their sports managers. Upon completion of this program, students will acquire the basic skills of a sports director, enabling them to excel in their roles within football clubs and organizations related to the sport of football. The program aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge in areas such as institutional management, human resources, legal and financial management, sports planning, methodological direction, communication, marketing, and new technologies.

Competences

The program focuses on developing a range of competences necessary for a sports director in football, including but not limited to:

• Institutional management and human resources management
• Legal and financial management within a football club context, including understanding sports law, financial planning, and budget management specific to football clubs and organizations. This includes knowledge of contracts, sponsorships, and regulatory compliance within the football industry. Students will also learn about financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning for football clubs, ensuring they can manage resources effectively and make informed financial decisions. Furthermore, they will understand the legal framework governing football, including player contracts, transfer regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms, enabling them to navigate the complex legal landscape of professional football. Additionally, the program will cover aspects of financial management such as revenue generation, cost control, and risk management, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of managing a football club. The legal and financial management module will also delve into the specifics of football-related legal and financial issues, such as doping regulations, match-fixing prevention, and the financial fair play regulations imposed by governing bodies like UEFA. By covering these areas, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to handle the legal and financial challenges faced by football clubs and organizations. - Sports planning and methodological direction in football, focusing on developing strategies for team performance improvement, player development, and tactical analysis. This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective training programs, analyze team and player performance, and make data-driven decisions to enhance football performance. The program will also cover aspects of sports science, including physiology, psychology, and nutrition, as they apply to football, ensuring that students understand how to optimize player performance and well-being. Furthermore, the module on sports planning and methodological direction will explore the use of technology in football, including video analysis, GPS tracking, and other tools used to enhance performance and gain a competitive edge. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the program prepares students to contribute to the success of football clubs and organizations through effective sports planning and methodological direction.
• Communication, marketing, and new technologies, with an emphasis on how these areas are specifically applied in the football industry. Students will learn about branding, sponsorship, media relations, and digital marketing strategies tailored to football clubs and organizations. The program will cover the importance of social media, fan engagement, and community outreach in modern football, providing students with the skills to develop and implement effective marketing and communication strategies that resonate with football audiences. Additionally, the module will explore the role of new technologies in football, including esports, virtual reality, and data analytics, ensuring that graduates are aware of the latest trends and innovations in the sport. By focusing on the application of communication, marketing, and new technologies in football, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and highly competitive world of professional football.

Programme Structure

The program is structured into several modules, each designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key areas involved in being a sports director in football. The modules include:

• Module 1: The Sports Director - Skills and Professional Profile
• Module 2: Institutional Management and Human Resources Management in a Football Club
• Module 3: Legal and Financial Management
• Module 4: Sports Planning and Methodological Direction in Football
• Module 5: Communication, Marketing, and New Technologies
• Module 6: Final Project

Each module is led by experienced professionals and academics in the field, ensuring that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into the world of football management.

Recipients

The program is designed for individuals who are passionate about football and wish to pursue a career in sports management. Eligible candidates include:

• Soccer coaches with level I, II, or III federative diplomas
• Graduates in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences with a football federation degree
• Individuals with professional or academic profiles closely linked to football who can demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to benefit from the program

Selection Criteria

In the event that the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, a selection process will be undertaken based on the following criteria:

1. Members of the Coaches Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation
2. Professional soccer experience
3. Degrees related to football

Academic Management and Faculty

The program is co-organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the King Juan Carlos University (URJC), ensuring a high level of academic and professional expertise. The academic director is Mr. Alexander Gil-Arias, and the co-director is Mr. Josep Sansó Nicolau, Director of the National School of Trainers, RFEF.

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff includes a mix of university professors and professionals from the football industry, providing students with a comprehensive and practical education. The staff includes specialists in sports didactics, sports law, team management, and sports management, among others.

Duration and Development

The program is delivered in-person and consists of 8 credits, with 80 contact hours. It takes place at the Las Rozas Football City, the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, over 10 sessions on Mondays from 10:00 to 13:45 and 15:00 to 18:45. The program starts on February 7 and finishes on April 5, 2022.

Reservation of Place and Enrollment

The pre-registration period is from November 2, 2021, to January 20, 2022, and the enrollment deadline is from January 21 to February 6, 2022. The title price is 3000 Euros, and there is no possibility of a scholarship for this program.

Documentation to Attach

Applicants must submit the following documentation:

• National Identity Document or equivalent
• University Degree that gives access to the program
• Curriculum vitae
• Responsible declaration of veracity of the data provided
• Any other document required by the Academic Department of Continuing Education for acceptance

For students with foreign qualifications, additional documentation may be required, including a passport or residence card and a foreign Higher Education Degree that gives access to continuing education studies.

Admission and Enrollment

The admission process involves submitting the required documentation and meeting the selection criteria. Enrollment is confirmed upon payment of the program fees and completion of the registration process.

The Sports Director Expert in Football program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to succeed in the exciting and challenging world of football management. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and strategic partnership between the RFEF and URJC, this program is poised to become a leading educational pathway for aspiring sports directors in football.