Find out what happened when coaches from the Premier League programme experienced a memorable learning trip In May, a group of coaches from the Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) embarked on a study visit to FC Nordsjælland (FCN), Denmark. Known for its innovative approach to youth development and its strong emphasis on values-driven coaching, FCN provided a rich learning environment for the visiting cohort. The visit offered a rare opportunity to explore a club that blends elite performance with a deeply human-centred philosophy.
Day 1: Immersion Begins Touching down in Copenhagen, the group wasted no time in immersing themselves in the FC Nordsjælland environment. After checking in at the hotel, they headed straight to the training ground in Farum. The afternoon's agenda began with a U17 pre-training meeting, offering a glimpse into the club’s thoughtful and structured approach to youth development. Observing the U17 training session brought those ideas to life, showcasing the club’s methodology in practice. The evening featured an U14 match and a presentation on FCN's development philosophy - an engaging session that set the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2: Senior Team Insights and Hands-On Learning The second day provided a deep dive into FCN's men's first team and the high-performance culture surrounding it. The day started early with a 07:30 training session, setting the tone for the club’s expectations. A pre-match tactical meeting led by U13 Head Coach Anders Loiborg showcased the clarity and depth of planning that permeates all levels of the club.
The first team training session at 11:00 demonstrated a fluid, purposeful style of play aligned with academy principles. "I liked how relaxed it was. The coaches are really relaxed but really structured in terms of how they move from each part of the practice. It flowed effortlessly from practice to practice. Initially there was an emphasis on just skill development, then a little bit of fun in preparation for the game, and then it moved into a more serious kind of practice with tactical emphasis. There was lots of free play as well, which was really good to watch." - Tristram Whitman, Derby County
The afternoon featured presentations from key first-team figures, including Goalkeeping Coach Magnus Pondus Hansen, player Lucas Høgsberg, coach Michael Essien and head coach Jens Olsen.
The coaches also participated in a U13 training session, experiencing FCN's 'coach as teacher' model first-hand. The day concluded with a presentation from the first-team analyst and reflective presentations from the PPCS coaches. Day 3: Pathways and Player Progression Friday's focus shifted to the academy's developmental pathways and the key personnel driving them.
The morning began with a presentation from Max Johansen, the Head of Coaching, who outlined the club's style of play, and the methodology used to develop players in alignment with that vision. He emphasised the unique integration between the academy and the first team, which ensures a seamless transition for players as they progress. This was followed by an in-depth session with Thomas Kristensen, the Transitional Coach, who detailed his role in bridging the gap between the U19s and the senior squad.
Day 4: Holistic Development and Competitive Identity Saturday offered a balanced mix of training, presentations, and match observation. The morning began with non-squad training for U17–U19 players highlighting FCN's commitment to ensuring every player receives meaningful development opportunities. A presentation from the club psychologist, Kasper Henriksen, followed, focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of player development and reinforcing the club's holistic approach. An U19 tactical meeting provided further insight into how FCN prepares its youth players for competition.
The afternoon was packed with matches across multiple teams: the Women’s first team faced Brøndby, while the U15, U17, and U19 teams played against FC Midtjylland - one of Denmark's strongest academies. These fixtures showcased FCN's playing identity across age groups and genders, offering a real-time demonstration of the club's consistency and competitiveness.
Day 5: Cultural Context and Closure Sunday provided a cultural and footballing highlight as the group attended the match between Brøndby IF and FC Copenhagen. The atmosphere was electric, offering a unique opportunity to experience Danish football culture at its most passionate.
Final Reflections and Departure The final day began with early departures from the hotel and transfers to Copenhagen Airport. While the formal schedule had come to an end, the reflections and learning continued. Over the course of the week, PPCS coaches were exposed to a club environment that exemplifies alignment, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to both player and coach development. Through structured observations, interactive sessions, and meaningful dialogue, the visit offered a holistic view of a progressive footballing model - one that left a lasting impression.
About the Professional Player to Coach Scheme The Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and English Football League (EFL) jointly run the PPCS, which has a focus to increase the number of Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage players who transition into full-time coaching roles in the professional game. This initiative offers a select group of former professional players a 23-month, fixed-term employment at a Premier League or EFL club, working within either the academy or first team environment. During their employment, each coach follows a tailored learning and development programme designed to enhance their skills across various areas of the game. These typically include physical performance and conditioning, talent identification and recruitment, performance analysis, football administration, and coaching across different age groups.