From October 5 to 7, 2026, the Center for Football Education and Leadership (CFEL) held its eighth training session for coaches under the UEFA PRO diploma program. The event took place in Lviv at FC "Rukh" base. The total duration of the module was 26 hours, combining intensive theoretical preparation, methodological and practical sessions, as well as presentations of individual assignments.

Visit from UEFA Curator

A special and particularly important part of the session was the participation of UEFA Jira Panel member Dariusz Paszek (Poland). He directly engaged in the educational program, observed the training process, and delivered a series of lectures to the course attendees. His visit provided future PRO-level professionals with an opportunity to absorb cutting-edge international experience and familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date approaches to coaching preparation within the UEFA system.

Intensive Three-Day Program

The training process was divided into thematic blocks covering key aspects of contemporary football:

• First Day was dedicated to the issues of mental preparation for professional players: motivation, inspiration, as well as working under stress and pressure. In addition to mental training, detailed consideration was given to the use of fitness tests to assess player adaptation and principles of managing overall and specific team workload within a competitive microcycle.
• Second Day began with the presentation of attendees' individual assignments. Following this, work shifted to a practical level – onto the football field. Coaches worked on methodological specifics for developing physical qualities and conducting specific parts of training sessions in line with the weekly microcycle's focus.
• Third Day focused on medical aspects and individualization of the preparation process. Participants worked through algorithms for interaction between coaching and medical staff, risk management for injuries, and returning players to full training after rehabilitation. Additionally, questions regarding planning and analyzing team sessions, improving PRO-level goalkeeper skills, and supporting balance between professional football and personal life were addressed.

Experts from CFEL, UAF instructors, and professionals from professional clubs shared their experience with the attendees. Among those involved in conducting sessions were Oleh Bayrachnyy, Oleh Kononikhin, Vadim Sapay, Roman Spryn', Bohdan Blavaцкий, Bohdan Horкaviy, Oleh Boychishyn, and Valeriy Shamardin.

CFEL successfully continues to implement the UEFA PRO diploma course according to the approved program, combining contemporary methodological approaches, domestic practical experience, and leading international expertise.