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Study group scheme flourishing

The UEFA Study Group Scheme, which heralds a new era in football technical co-operation across Europe, is proving to be a successful enterprise.

UEFA Study Group meeting in Moscow
UEFA Study Group meeting in Moscow ©UEFA.com

The UEFA Study Group Scheme, which heralds a new era in football technical co-operation across Europe, is proving to be a successful enterprise, with national associations meeting to exchange knowledge from one side of the continent to the other.

President's initiative
The scheme is an initiative of UEFA President Michel Platini, and aims to facilitate the greater exchange of technical know-how and expertise. It will also look to raise pan-European standards through, for example, visits by association specialists - with the help of UEFA funding - to gather technical knowledge from other associations, particularly at their clubs.

Four years
The UEFA Study Group Scheme, in which all 53 UEFA member associations are involved, will run for four years. All together, 157 seminar opportunities are in the pipeline for this season. Where possible, each trip should have different participants and its own individual study focus.

Four visits
This week has seen a group of European associations visit Switzerland for a visit focusing on elite youth activities. UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh and head of football education services Frank Ludolph have been participants in the Swiss event. Greece has hosted a coach education session; grassroots football has been on the agenda with several FAs visiting Germany; and women's football has been the focal point for a session hosted by England - an event attended by UEFA Development and Technical Assistance Committee member Sir Trevor Brooking.

Hectic year's end
Another ten visits are planned up to the end of the year. Wales, Scotland, Belgium, Spain, Finland are hosts in November, while Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Croatia and France greet fellow European FAs in December.

Click here for more information on the UEFA Study Group scheme