National Coaches Conference 2026

“Developing the Future Youth Player”

The Gibraltar Football Association proudly presents Developing the Future Youth Player, an inaugural national coaching event designed to bring together the football community in a shared commitment to developing the next generation of players.

This landmark event represents a significant step forward in Gibraltar’s ongoing alignment with European coaching and player development standards, creating a platform where knowledge, experience, and innovation come together to support coaches at every level of the game.

At the heart of the event is a clear focus: how we identify, nurture, and develop young players to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern football. As the game continues to progress, so too must our approaches to coaching, learning, and player development. This conference has been designed to reflect that reality—bridging the gap between theory and practice, and providing coaches with meaningful, applicable insights they can take directly into their own environments.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from a range of guest speakers drawn from across the European game, offering perspectives on elite youth development, academy structures, and the journey from grassroots to first-team football. These sessions will be complemented by a series of pitch-based practical demonstrations delivered by coaches from some of Europe’s leading clubs and Associations. These live sessions will bring learning to life, showcasing modern training methods, session design, and approaches to developing technically proficient, tactically aware, and confident young players.

The event is designed not only to inform, but to inspire. It provides an opportunity for coaches across Gibraltar to connect, share ideas, and contribute to a collective vision for the future of the game on the Rock. By creating an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, the Gibraltar FA aims to strengthen the foundations of its player development pathway and support coaches in playing a central role in that journey.

Importantly, attendance at the event will contribute towards official UEFA coaching licence revalidation hours for coaches holding UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award through to UEFA B Diplomas. While it forms part of the ongoing professional development framework for qualified coaches, the event is open to all—welcoming coaches, practitioners, and football enthusiasts from Gibraltar and around the world who share a passion for the development of the game.

The day will conclude with an evening Tapas and networking event, followed by an exclusive question and answer session with guest speakers. This informal setting will allow attendees to engage directly with leading practitioners, explore ideas in greater depth, and build connections that extend beyond the event itself.

As the first event of its kind, Developing the future youth players marks the beginning of a new chapter in coach development within Gibraltar. It reflects a shared ambition to raise standards, embrace innovation, and ensure that young players are equipped with the skills, understanding, and mindset required to succeed in today’s game.

Ultimately, the aim is simple: to support and empower coaches in creating better players for the modern game, and in doing so, to shape a stronger future for football in Gibraltar.

Attendance Requirements

• Sign in / out for attendance verification.
• Attend all scheduled conference sessions.

What Qualifications can I Revalidate?

UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award

UEFA C Diploma

GFA C Goalkeeper Certificate

UEFA B Diploma

UEFA B Goalkeepers Diploma

What’s included in the fee?

• Access to the Day Event (All Theory & Practical Sessions) 
• Access to Online Content (Post Conference)
• Networking Evening Event (Saturday Evening with Drinks & Canapes)
• Lunch & Refreshments during day event. 
• Revalidation of UEFA Qualification including updated certificate and Licence Card. 

Conference Structure

09.00 – 13.00:                  Theory Presentations

13.00 – 14.00:                  Lunch

14.00 – 18.30:                  Practical Sessions

19.30 – 20.00:                  Welcome Drinks @ Sunborn Hotel

20.30 – 21.30:                  Guest Speaker Presentations and Q & A 

22.30:                                      Disperse

Conference Content

• Creating a National Identity
• Coaching in Elite Environments
• Modern Game Trends
• Developing the Future Youth Player on the Academy & International stages
• Psychology of the Modern Coach
• Transition from Youth to Senior Football
• Performance in Elite Youth Environments