Football is built on diversity.
Players from over 100 countries have been bringing their talents to the pitch in the Premier League since the start in 1992, but when you look at the sidelines, it has yet to be matched by similar levels of diversity.
To address this gap the Premier League’s Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) and Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme (CIDS) were launched, providing a pathway for former players and aspiring coaches from underrepresented backgrounds to transition into full-time coaching roles.
PPCS, which is delivered in partnership with the Professional Footballer's Association and EFL, has supported 32 coaches, all of whom are employed as a coach in English professional football, while 75 of the 81 CIDS coaches are in full-time employment within the game.
Through fixed-term placements within clubs – along with mentorship and structured training – the programmes have helped former footballers like Ricardo Fuller and Reda Johnson, as well as female and minority ethnic coaches such as Alice Weaving and Sulayman Hafesji-Wade, to step into roles that may previously have been out of reach.
They were among more than 40 coaches and staff celebrating their graduation from a range of Premier League coaching and leadership programmes at Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield this month, including CIDS, PPCS, the Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme (ECAS), Elite Heads of Coaching (EHOC), and Elite Academy Managers (EAM).
From Player to coach
Fuller is remembered fondly at Stoke City to the degree that a sports bar, “Ricardo’s”, was named in his honour.
Known for his lethal finishing, Fuller’s career started in Jamaica before he made his mark in England, scoring 43 goals in 182 league appearances as he led the Potters to Premier League promotion in 2008.
But his journey had its challenges. “Everything starts from confidence and belief,” Fuller says. “I’ve always had that, regardless of the setbacks - injuries, suspensions or disappointments.”
As retirement loomed, he was uncertain about the future. “I didn’t have a vision for coaching at first, but I always knew it was the natural next step," he says." I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines criticising players. I wanted to work with them, help them improve - that’s why coaching felt like a natural calling.”
“I did my Level 2 [coaching certificate], then my UEFA B [certificate], and then I was fortunate enough to be nominated for this fantastic initiative,” he says about the Professional Player to Coach Scheme.
Now, Fuller is leading Stoke’s Under-15 team, helping to mould the next generation of talent at the club where he made his name. He credits the PPCS for playing a pivotal role in his transition.
"The course taught me that resilience, technique, and persistence are key to success, not just as a coach but also as a player," he says. “Being the best version of yourself is essential - whether it's as a player or a coach, you always strive to be better than before.
"The programme gave me a chance to work on my mindset as a coach, to be strong and resilient, and to learn how to communicate that with my players."
Johnson’s path followed a similar trajectory. The French-born Beninese defender played for Plymouth Argyle before he earned cult-hero status at Sheffield Wednesday, having a key role in their long-awaited return to the Championship.
He tried his hand at other things but ultimately embraced the challenge of coaching. “After retirement, I spent two years back in France, enjoying time with my family and working as an agent, but something was missing. The grass was calling me,” he recalls.
“I started at Dover in the National League. I knew the game well as a player, but as a coach I had a lot to learn. That’s when I realised I needed to go back to the basics.”
Now managing Cardiff City’s Under-15s, Johnson understands coaching is more than just about results. "The biggest thing I've learned is how to communicate effectively with players, especially young ones who may not be ready to win," he says.
"As a player, it's all about winning, but as a coach you need to realise that players are at different levels. It's about adjusting your communication."
Diversity driving change
Fuller and Johnson are both passionate about the importance of programmes like PPCS and CIDS in fostering diversity within football.
“There’s a small number of Black coaches in the Premier League and Championship. It’s tough for Black coaches, but this initiative is a huge step forward for change,” says Fuller.
Johnson agrees. “If diversity works on the pitch, why not in management?” he says.
The impact of diverse experiences is undeniable. Johnson incorporates all elements of his multicultural background into his coaching style.
“I make sure to greet everyone, from staff to players, because it's about respect and creating a good environment," he says.
"People will follow your lead if you’re genuine. I set the example by greeting everyone, and now others do the same."
Breaking barriers
For Weaving, a female coach navigating the male-dominated football industry, the journey has been more complex. The Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme gave her a platform she never thought possible.
“For someone like me who wouldn’t usually be considered in a general application process, the course has gone above and beyond to put coaches on the map that happen to be from minority backgrounds, speaking as a female coach in the boy’s game,” she says.
Weaving, now coaching Southampton’s Under-9 boys’ team, says overcoming stereotypes was a major hurdle. “You walk into a room, and people judge you," she says. "Coaching boys, it’s like, ‘What’s she got?’"
But she’s learned that communication, persuasion and self-awareness are key to leadership. "The course helped me realise my value and own it," she says. "I deserve to be here and hold the space.
"You don’t need to conform, you can succeed by being yourself. I know I come from a different space, and I embrace that. Empathy is a strength, not a weakness.
"Leadership doesn’t have to look the same in every coach. My style is different, but it works. I am a strong leader because I understand my players."
'Representation matters'
Hafesji-Wade, a coach at Chelsea’s Academy also through CIDS, views his role, in part, as one of representation for young Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) coaches.
"Representation matters," he says. "I am really aware that role models in the game are crucial, particularly for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds. I want to be that role model for young Asian coaches and players.
"The more diverse coaches we have, the more opportunities there are for young people to see themselves in these roles and aspire to them."
Hafesji-Wade’s journey into coaching began at the age of 15, working in grassroots football. He knew early on that a professional playing career wasn’t in his future, but his love for the game kept him involved.
“I was coaching part-time, saw the programme [CIDS] and thought this fits my needs and ambitions so I applied and was fortunate to be on the scheme for two years and transition into a full-time role at Chelsea,” he says.
At the west London club, Hafesji-Wade focuses on nine to 10-year-olds, believing strongly in putting in place solid foundations for the future of English football. "My focus will always be on young players, building the foundations for their future success," he says. "As a coach, it's about nurturing the next generation of talent in the right way.
"In five to 10 years, I see myself still working with young players, helping them develop and make their way through the ranks. My passion lies in nurturing young players and creating the best possible foundation for their development."
Life lessons
The PPCS and CIDS programmes go beyond traditional coaching development or classroom learning, offering participants unconventional experiences to build resilience and leadership away from the pitch, such as climbing in the Lake District.
Fuller shakes his head recalling the experience. "It was freezing! And remember I’m from Jamaica!” he says.
"The journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step, and once you start, you realise it’s not so bad. Perspective is everything."
Weaving found the military-style training invaluable, part of which included evading pretend-gunfire. "You’re under constant pressure, making decisions when you’re exhausted," she says. "It was intense and forced me to operate under constant stress, which helped me identify weaknesses and work on them.
"It’s definitely helped me learn more about myself than any other coaching development programme I’ve been on.”
One of the most unexpected lessons came from an improv comedy workshop, which Hafesji-Wade describes as his highlight. "Improv teaches you to think on your feet and adapt quickly," he says. "Coaching is the same - you have to be ready for anything that comes your way.
“It taught me to adopt a ‘Yes, and…’ mindset rather than a ‘No, but…’ approach. Listening to others and embracing new ideas is crucial in coaching.
“Some of the experiences are what you would describe as wacky but they have a lot of transferable skills that I can apply to my day-to-day coaching role.
“It’s work disguised as fun - you don’t realise the lesson until it clicks later.”
Diverse teams are better teams
Neil Saunders, the Premier League’s Director of Football, says drawing from a wider talent pool of coaches is critical not only for fairness but also for maintaining the Premier League’s status as the best league in the world.
“When we look at the coaching workforce, it doesn’t yet reflect the diversity of our player population or the country’s demographics,” he says. “It’s vital that we reduce barriers for people from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that everyone has a pathway to coaching.
“Diversity brings a competitive advantage. By engaging with a broader range of communities, we develop better coaches and, in turn, better players.
“In the future, we want to see more coaches from underrepresented groups working full-time in Academies and progressing to first-team roles.
“Our goal is to create visible role models, inspiring young people from all backgrounds so that the Premier League is a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Looking to the future
The ambitious goals the graduates have are testament to the lasting impact the Premier League coaching programmes have had.
Fuller wants to lead Jamaica to FIFA World Cup success while Johnson dreams of managing a top-flight team. "In the next five to 10 years, I see myself taking on the challenge of managing at the highest level,” Johnson says. “I dream big, and why not aim for the Premier League? It’s important to set high goals and work towards them."
As for those people who are considering starting these programmes, the stance of the participants is unequivocal. “Go for it,” says Fuller. “The exposure, learning and personal growth are invaluable.” Johnson adds: “In two years I learned what would’ve taken me 10 on my own. It’s tough but worth it.”
Weaving laughs when asked whether she would recommend the programme. "I think people are tired of me raving about the course!" she says. "I would absolutely recommend it! The support system and the challenges it provides make it that even when you do fail you’re able to grow from that and learn."
Hafesji-Wade echoes the sentiment. "The network, the experience, the opportunity to work in an elite environment, this programme has genuinely been life-changing," he syas. "It’s allowed me to work day-in, day-out in my dream job."
