The first seminar of the Certificate in Football Management programme took place at the Hualing hotel. Having successfully negotiated several stages of selection process, participants today got the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the programme schedule and technical issues. Project leader Bakar Jordania spoke about UEFA’s football education programmes and informed the attendees about the agenda for the coming months.
Prior to the seminar, the official opening ceremony of the Certificate in Football Management programme took place, whereby GFF president Levan Kobiashvili wished the participants success for the upcoming learning process. “First of all, I would like to congratulate our students – you are the first 30 people who will take part in this programme in Georgian language.
“Enhancing the football education is one of the most important steps for the development of Georgian football. Therefore, it is vital that the first batch of participants includes people who are already working in the football environment.
“I would also like to congratulate you on successfully passing a tough selection process, allowing you to be here today. I would like to also thank our lecturers, and wish them a fruitful educational process. I am certain that you will spare no effort in sharing your knowledge and experience, ensuring that this programme becomes an important stage in the careers of these people,” stated Levan Kobiashvili.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the UEFA Education and Diversity Programme Assistant Sara Holmgren, who spoke about the significance of the project:
“On behalf of UEFA, I would like to say that we are delighted to see Georgia become the first country to establish its own version of our educational programme, and I am certain that this course will not only enhance the participants’ football education, but also develop football in Georgia, as this is a vital component in the said process.”
The educational programme, which is conducted by the Georgian Football Federation in partnership with Ilia University, is free for all participants. At this stage, it aims to enhance the qualifications and professional skills of managers employed in Georgian football. It is the Georgian equivalent of UEFA’s educational programme of the same name, and is fully funded by UEFA.
Participants will familiarise themselves with global and European football standards, and will study the issues of strategic management, financial planning, event organisation, marketing and public relations.
The GFF Certificate in Football Management will conclude in July 2017. Participants who complete the course successfully will be awarded appropriate certificates.