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Abstract  

Date: 2025 06 03 

Level: Bachelor Thesis in Business Administration, 15 ECTS 

Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Malardalen University 

Authors: Hugo Evertsson, Philip Okeke 

Title: Between license and learning - A qualitative study on how coaching is shaped by formal education and informal networks in Swedish Football Supervisor:

Inti Lammi 

Keywords: football coach, leadership, institutional theory, social learning theory, coaching philosophy, informal learning, formal education 

Research Questions: 

How do social networks influence football coaches’ development as leaders? What role do UEFA coaching licenses play in a coach’s development as practical support or formal certification? How do formal education and informal influence interact in the development of coaching practice? Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how social networks and informal interactions among football coaches influence their leadership and coaching philosophy, and to what extent these factors complement or replace the formal UEFA coaching education. 

Method: This study adopts a qualitative approach with abductive methodology. The empirical data is based on semi structured interviews with ten football coaches from various levels of organized Swedish football. The material was analyzed using thematic analysis, supported by institutional theory and social learning theory. 

Conclusion: The results show that informal networks, mentors and role models not only complement formal coaching education, but in many cases constitute the most decisive factor in a coach’s practical development. Formal education primarily functions as a legitimizing tool rather than a meaningful instrument for learning in everyday coaching. Coaches shape their leadership philosophy through social interaction, peer exchange and observation, which in several cases replaces formal learning in terms of influence and significance.