Malta FA Technical Centre Accepting Applications for UEFA PRO Diploma Course

The Malta FA Technical Centre is now accepting applications for the UEFA PRO Diploma Course, scheduled to take place from October 2023 to April 2025. The comprehensive course spans over 18 months and comprises 12 modules, ranging from three to six days each. The course will kick off in late October 2023, with some modules being conducted abroad as study visits to professional clubs.

Interested individuals can submit their applications, with a strict deadline of Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 17:00hrs CET. After the closing date, no further applications will be accepted. To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid UEFA A license and have a minimum of two football seasons' worth of experience in the past three years since obtaining the diploma, according to Article 8(iii)(b)(III) of SECTION XV of the Malta FA Statute.

Applications for the course should be made through the MFA Coach Education site (https://www.mfa.com.mt/education/) or directly via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/8qUMY2zTrY. The online form requires applicants to upload several documents, including a letter of application, a sports CV, a letter of recommendation from the club they will be working with during the 2023/24 season, a 4-week periodization plan for their team, and four detailed training sessions based on the aforementioned plan.

All applications will be treated confidentially and assessed by the PRO Licence Board. Applicants who have not obtained the UEFA A Diploma through the Malta FA must provide the 'Cross-border form' as per Article 15(3) of the UEFA Coaching Convention 2020.

If the number of applicants who have begun their coaching pathway in Malta exceeds 20, the board will create a shortlist of 20 prospective candidates based on various admission criteria. These criteria include playing and coaching experience, professional development related to sports, previous performance in the UEFA A course, and the assessment of the documentation submitted with the application.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo an extensive interview as part of the selection process.

The course fee is €5,500, which covers lunches, coffee breaks, course materials, and a course kit. Coaches who have started their coaching pathway in Malta or have a UEFA A license and have been coaching in Malta for at least three years will receive a €1,500 subsidy. It is important to note that the fee does not include transportation and accommodation expenses for study visits abroad, which are part of the course.

Payment for the course can be made in two installments. The first installment (€3,000/€2,000, depending on subsidy eligibility) must be paid upon acceptance by September 2023, and the remaining balance must be paid by March 2024. Course fees are non-refundable.

Candidates must have access to a senior or professional youth team during the course for practical assessments and modular work. A maximum of 14 candidates will be admitted to the course.

In the event that the number of candidates exceeds the available spots, a pre-course vetting process will be implemented to select a maximum of 20 candidates for further selection interviews. Candidates who did not follow the Malta FA coaching pathway will be assigned two places during this selection.

The Malta FA reserves the right to allocate a maximum of three places beyond the required number of candidates for coaches working with the association and players who have represented the Malta FA national team more than 50 times.

Selected candidates will be notified in due course.

Course Details:

1. The course will run from October 2023 to April 2025, totaling 430 hours. It consists of 12 modules, each lasting 3 to 6 full days, which include visits to local and foreign clubs, as well as work experience within the candidates' football clubs.
2. Sessions will be held on weekdays at the MFA Technical Centre unless otherwise specified, and online sessions may be included if necessary.
3. Attendance is mandatory for all course hours. Candidates must provide valid official documentation for any missed hours. If more than 10% of the hours are missed, even with valid reasons and documentation, those hours must be completed in the next available course.
4. Candidates are reminded to prioritize the course over their club's training sessions.
5. Candidates are allowed one resit in the event of failing to achieve the 60% pass mark.
6. The course will be conducted in English, so a good command of the language is essential.
7. A medical clearance for physical activity is required before the course begins.
8. Candidates must present copies of the coaching certificates mentioned above when paying for the course.

By completing the application, candidates agree to comply with the Course Regulations and acknowledge that the decisions of the Malta FA are final and non-contestable. The FA will not be held liable for any injuries sustained by candidates.

For inquiries, please contact Mr. Joe Mallia at 23386353 or learn@mfa.com.m.