MIP Alumni News

The MIP Alumni Association, an organisation of graduates from an executive master for former international players created by UEFA, is extending its ties with FIFPRO the worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers. At a time where the need for player-centric views in the football industry has never been greater, this partnership aims to create synergies between current and former players to provide new and innovative perspectives on the workforce priorities of players and the game’s development more broadly. The MIP Alumni Association and FIFPRO share the same beliefs concerning the world of work of players and the collective representation of players, including a player-centric [...]

The MIP Alumni Association enjoyed two days of learning, networking and celebration at UEFA HQ in Geneva earlier this month.  During their time together the MIP Alumni held their General Assembly, attended the graduation of MIP II, and also meet with the newest cohort of former international players in MIP III. Other features include a focused session on the direction of the MIP Alumni with Andrea Rosso, a motivational presentation from race car driver Ellen Lohr and a discussion with leading football writer Henry Winter on the role of the media in the game. An update on the UEFA for Players [...]

The MIP Alumni Association has today given it's full support to member, Keld Bordinggaard, in a dispute with the University of Southern Denmark.  In a Letter of Support, signed by 40 members, the association expressed the following: In April 2013 our colleague Keld Bordinggaard presented his project of a national football centre in Odense, Denmark. We have been aware of Keld's project and work for years. Some of us have had the opportunity to discuss Kelds visionary project along the way. Keld has since developed his project in cooperation with Dep. of Sport and Biomechanics at the University of Southern Denmark. [...]

The MIP Alumni Association came together in Budapest at the weekend for their Annual General Assembly. Those attending included Nuno Gomes, Bianca Rech, Bruno Cheyrou, Annike Krahn, Michael Johnson, Mbo Mpenza, Nikos Dabizas, Kumar Thapa, Dan Romann, Mãris Verpakovskis and Keld Bordinggaard. The two-day meeting featured presentations on Race and Sport from highly respected academic Professor Ben Carrington, Copa90’s Women’s Football Strategy delivered by Rebecca Smith and Soraya Rowley and KMPG’s Football Benchmark presented by Yacine Sosse Alaoui. WATCH VIDEO: MIP Alumni General Assembly in Budapest UEFA’s Stephane Erhart shared the exciting new UEFA for Players app with the group and [...]

Bianca Rech, Team Manager @ Bayern Munich Ladies - Abstract on Being a Gamechanger in Women's Football   Women`s football continues to grow.The report suggests organising, including and integrating women’s football in men`s professional football. A common professional structure will support the growth of women’s football. However, for women`s football to exploit untapped market, it must be done considering and respecting the peculiarities of the women’s game. Done properly it has the potentiel to strengthen the club`s image, increase the fan base, and improve social image, thus adding a second sport portfolio and possible an income generator.

Simon Rolfes, Head of Youth Development @ Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Abstract on the 'Infrastructure Analysis of Top Clubs in Europe' for UEFA MIP Masters A talent academy is an important strategic tool in creating a quality player pipeline for the first team as well as a club identity. The report analyses the infrastructure in nine European top clubs and focuses on the three main departments, first team, youth and administration. It highlights the critical elements in establishing a successful academy.

Former Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder, Simon Rolfes, is now the Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director. We spoke to Simon and learnt more about his career as a player, his experiences playing for Germany at Euro 2008 and the positives of the MIP Alumni course.   Tell us about your career on the pitch? I played for five season at Werder Bremen, then I moved on to Alemnannia Aachen which allowed me to play in what was then known as the ‘UEFA Cup'. This tournament allowed me to develop and it was great to play as underdogs in the tournament and we [...]

Simon Rolfes, a graduate from the inaugural UEFA MIP course, has been named as the Sporting Director of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.  Simon is now one of the youngest Sporting Directors in the Bundesliga at 36 years old. The MIP graduate retired from professional football less than four years ago, after starring for Leverkusen and playing 377 games for the club and scoring 48 goals. He replaces the previous Sporting Director, Jonas Boldt, who had been in the role for a year and will work alongside Boldt whilst transitioning in to the job from 1st December until the end of the season. Prior [...]

We had the pleasure of speaking to Keld Bordinggaard, MIP board member and ex-Silkeborg IF and Denmark International and now owner of 'Bordinggaard Football' Keld gives us a greater understanding of his journey from being a young footballer in Denmark, to becoming a Danish International, then transititioning to the coaching side of the game. Then finally, he gives us a great understanding of his time on the UEFA MIP course and his current role within the football industry.   How long was your footballing career and where did you play? Keld: “I came in to football late, I was a handball [...]