The Coach Inclusion Diversity Scheme (CIDS) is a Premier League programme aimed at increasing the number of female coaches and male Black, Asian and mixed heritage coaches from a variety of backgrounds in full-time coaching positions in English professional football.
It was launched in 2020/21, following on from the successful BAME & Female Initiative, which had been in place for five years.
CIDS provides coaches with a bursary and a 23-month work placement at a Premier League or Category One club.
The coaches will also enjoy varied learning and development opportunities, including entering the Premier League's Coach Development Institute Programme (CDIP).
The aim is that after their placements, CIDS coaches will achieve sustainable coaching positions, where they can be successful and visible role models and will inspire the next generation of coaches from a diverse background.
CIDS also supports our Elite Coaching Plan’s vision of elevating the quality of coaching across the professional game.
Similar to the League's Professional Player to Coach Scheme, it is open to Professional Football Association members at any level of the game. But non-PFA members may also apply as long as they are a coach from a Black, Asian or mixed-heritage background, they have achieved a minimum coaching qualification of the UEFA B licence and have no previous full-time coaching experience in English professional football.
More on the Elite Coaching Plan
Elite Coaching Plan
Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme
Professional Player to Coach Scheme
Elite Heads of Coaching
