Awa graduates with prestigious FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma in Zurich

[January 7, 2025 – Harmon, Guam] Guam Football Association Technical Director Ross Awa is one of a select group of Technical Leaders from across the globe to graduate from the first edition of FIFA’s prestigious Technical Leadership Diploma.

Awa attended the final block of the 18 month-long course which concluded with a series of assessment presentations and a graduation ceremony at the FIFA museum in Zurich between 5-6 December.

Since commencing the programme in May 2023, Awa has visited Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland as part of the Diploma, which aims to become the ‘globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders working in the game.

“I am truly grateful to be part of this pioneering group of leaders that are ready to shape the future of football globally,” Awa said. “This invaluable experience enabled me to engage with leaders, fostering inspiring discussions and insights that I will always value. I aim to share the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired from this diploma with the upcoming generation of leaders in the Guam Football Association.”

“On behalf of Guam Football Association, I would like to congratulate Ross on his latest achievement with the prestigious FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma,” said Valentino San Gil, Guam Football Association President. “I look forward to Ross’ application of all he has learned and experienced in the course to elevate the level of football in Guam.”

“Many congratulations to Ross for graduating from the first ever edition of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma,” says Steven Martens, FIFA Director of Global Football Development.

“The future of global football requires expert leaders across the world and we believe this qualification will help us achieve that aim,” added Martens.  “We are excited to see how each graduate from the Diploma will help shape and influence the future of football in the years to come,” added Martens.

‘A transformational experience’ for Technical Leaders

Edition one of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma was attended by Technical Leaders from Member Associations, Confederations and FIFA and proved to be a ‘transformational experience,’ says Jamie Houchen, FIFA Head of Technical Leadership

“The effort, energy, insight and camaraderie each participant has brought to the Diploma has ensured the past 18 months have been a transformational experience for everyone involved,” explains Houchen. “The FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma is the first qualification of its kind and we truly believe it will play a huge role in the leadership of football around the world in the future–the first cohort of graduates are now equipped with the skills and competencies to lead the way in this area.”

2023/24 FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma graduates:

RICARDO LEAO

AABED ALANSARI

ROSS AWA

INDRA SJAFRI

CARLES ROMAGOSA

BHEKISISA BOY MKHONTA

BENJAMIN KUMWENDA

WALTER STEENBOK

ALI MWEBE

LYSON ZULU

IVÁN NOVELLA

ANTON CORNEAL

LUIS CASTRO

STIPE PLETIKOSA

JANNO KIVISILD

MARIANS PAHARS

DIANA BULGARU

ANDREW GOULD

LILI BAI

JAYNE LUDLOW

PATRICIA GONZALEZ

BUMAN-UCHRAL BOLD

ALDI IQBAL

For more information about the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma visit the FIFA Training Centre: www.fifatrainingcentre.com