Doha: The inaugural phase of the Football Coaching Diploma courses for Levels A and C got underway in Doha on Saturday. The program is part of Qatar's 2026-2027 effort to train and develop football coaches and administrators. The 13-day courses will run through Thursday, Sept. 17.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Level A course alternates between classroom instruction and practical sessions, with participants focusing on defensive and offensive scenarios through on-field analysis while becoming familiar with the most salient modern tactical trends shaping the global game. The phase also includes an introduction to developing a game model, helping coaches establish a clear playing identity for their teams. It also covers season planning, giving coaches the tools they need to manage the different phases of the training cycle.
The phase is part of the Qatar Football Association's broader efforts to develop the game, with a focus on developing homegrown coaching talent capable of keeping up with the latest standards pursued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) through its coaching diploma pathway. For Level C, the first phase of the diploma focuses on fundamental football skills, imbuing coaches to build a robust technical foundation for players from the earliest stages of development. It also covers training-session organization, helping coaches manage time and content more effectively during each practice.
The phase also covers how to design a youth development program tailored to the specific needs of young players, as well as mental preparation, highlighting the importance of the mental side alongside technical development during the early stages of player development. The phase is part of the association's broader player-development strategy, which places a particular emphasis on the early stages of player development as a fulcrum for the future of football in Qatar.