Soccer needs more female coaches*! The "Ready. Set. Coach." program of the Berlin Football Association in cooperation with its premium partner Nike accompanies girls* and women* on their first steps towards becoming a soccer coach - through exchange, education, practical experience, a strong network and a lot of empowerment. After a successful first pilot year under the title "Female Coaches Berlin" the program will enter the next round in the 2025/26 season under a new name - with a proven concept, new content and even more visibility for female* coaches in soccer.
The program is characterized by the combination of low-threshold access, individual support, community building and certified qualification. Over a period of ten months, participants complete the official DFB Basic Coach Certificate, gain practical coaching experience, are supported by mentors and take part in a diverse accompanying program. This includes workshops, reflection rooms and community events with a focus on gender equality, diversity in sport, discrimination-sensitive coaching and empowerment.
Ready. Set. Coach. is part of the BFV's long-term strategy to promote FLINTA* and girls* in Berlin soccer. The programme is implemented in cooperation with Nike and supported by civil society initiatives, other partner organizations and committed Berlin soccer clubs.
The application phase for the main program is closed.
Are you interested in coaching or already actively coaching? Then register here for the supporting program and become part of the community.
Your entry into coaching - The main program:
You want to become a coach - or just want to try out what it feels like? Then Ready. Set. Coach. is just right for you! The program accompanies you on your first steps towards becoming a coach. Whether you're just starting your journey as a coach or are simply curious about coaching, we'll give you the knowledge, network and support you need to get started. The program is deliberately designed to be low-threshold - it is aimed at anyone who wants to discover and develop themselves in the role of a coach. It doesn't matter whether you play soccer yourself or not.
Exchange & knowledge for everyone - The supporting program:
We have also thought about experienced coaches* in Berlin soccer. Have you been a coach for a while but are still looking for a community to exchange ideas with other girls* and women* on the topic of coaching? Then take a look at the supporting program of Ready. Set. Coach.
What does the main program look like?:
The program starts at the beginning of September 2025 and runs for four months until December 2025. During this time, you will learn from other (experienced) female* coaches, receive support from mentors* and exchange ideas with others who are currently taking similar steps. You can also complete your first coaching certificate, the DFB Basic Coach. Workshops and community events will also cover topics such as gender-specific challenges, diversity in sport and your role on and off the pitch.
What you can expect
Kick-off on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nike Hub Berlin
Official qualification: DFB Basic Coach Certificate with the full-day attendance days:
Friday, September 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Community event on Friday, November 14 or Saturday, November 15, 2025
Joint conclusion on Friday, December 5, 2025, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Wannsee Sports School
First own coaching experiences - accompanied and reflected upon
Various formats on diversity, leadership & empowerment
Access to a growing community of girls* and women* in coaching in Berlin
Safer spaces and personal support throughout the entire period
Supporting program
July 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
"Ready to Coach?!" - A RealTalk about resistance, paths and networks in soccer, followed by an exchange on "Queer in sport" and watching soccer together (Women's EURO: Germany-Poland)
November 11, 2025, 18:00 to 20:00
Digital impulse: Sexual and gender diversity in soccer - intersectional perspectives
January 10, 2026, 10:00 to 17:00
Workshop: Experiencing soccer from a FLINTA* perspective
March 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ready. Set. Future. - Future workshop for women* in soccer with soccer tournament
5 June 2025, 17:00 to 20:00
Program conclusion
These coaches have already completed the program
Find out more about why they started and how the program supported them (click on the images to watch the videos on YouTube):
Registration & participation in the supporting program
Would you like to become part of the community? Then register using the online form.
You can take part if you:
are at least 14 years old
live in Berlin
are interested in soccer - even without playing yourself
are curious about the topic of soccer coaching
You don't need a club, experience or a coaching license. All that matters is your motivation!