MIP Alumni News

Annike Krahn is currently the Germany under 17's team manager and is a born leader on and off the pitch. With 137 caps for her national team, the German legend has enjoyed a successful playing career, featuring in both the Paris-Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen squads. Away from the pitch, she continues to be a trailblazer for women’s football, leading open conversations on ways to improve the game. 

We caught up Annike, who graduated from the UEFA MIP programme in 2019, to talk all things football … When did your playing career begin, and at what point did you know you wanted [...]

Eintracht Frankfurt Project manager Lise Munk has proven to be successful both on and off the pitch. During her playing career she was able to play in the UEFA Champions League, as well as appearing on her national team squad, now she is able to help countless people achieve their dreams in football. We spoke with Lise to hear more on her inspirational career … Where did your love for football come from? I started playing football when I was four years old because my father was a coach and he wanted to bring me to practice. I have two siblings [...]

©The Times “The MIP Alumni Association wants people to take power from the fact that once their playing career is finished, there's an exciting road ahead. It’s great to meet others that have walked that same path as you and can help you develop.” MIP Alumni Association President, Gareth Farrelly is passionate about connecting the ex-players of the world and assisting them to unlock a new lease of life.  He wishes to see more players working in executive roles, with the power to be extremely influential. Where did your love of football come from? When I look back, it was just something I [...]

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.