About Launchpad-Asia

Launchpad Asia is an international coaching pathway designed to connect UK sports graduates with Asian football clubs, academies, and educational organisations.
Developed through academic research and supported by industry consultation, the pathway aims to overcome long-standing barriers that prevent new coaches from accessing opportunities abroad, including visas, cultural adaptation, safeguarding expectations, and employer readiness.

Launchpad Asia exists to provide a structured, ethical, and well-supported route for aspiring coaches to build meaningful careers across Asia, while helping regional football organisations recruit qualified, culturally aware staff for long-term development.

Despite the rapid growth of football across Asia, many clubs and academies report ongoing challenges in recruiting skilled foreign coaches.
Conversely, UK graduates possess strong theoretical knowledge, technical competency, and internationally recognised coaching qualifications, yet struggle to find reliable routes into Asian football.

Key challenges identified by employers and graduates include:

• Limited UK–Asia recruitment networks

• Uncertainty around visa processes

• A lack of cultural preparation

• Coaches feeling unsupported during relocation

• Employers receiving applicants with inconsistent qualifications

• Short-term contracts without clear development pathways

Launchpad Asia was created to fill this gap by offering a consistent, university-supported, mutually beneficial pathway that prepares graduates and supports employers.

To prepare, support, and deploy UK-educated football coaches into meaningful, long-term roles within Asian football organisations, contributing to player development, coach education, and sustainable football growth across the region.

Launchpad Asia delivers a structured preparation and deployment model, including:

For Graduate Coaches

• Cultural & professional preparation

• Safeguarding and welfare guidance

• Pedagogical training based on local needs

• Support understanding visa and contract processes

• Mentoring throughout their first year abroad

For Employers

• Pre-screened graduates with degree-level knowledge

• Coaches holding FA/UEFA-recognised qualifications

• Staff trained in behaviour management & youth development

• Clear expectations on contract structures and responsibilities

• Reduced recruitment risk and improved staff retention

Why the Pathway Was Created

Our Mission

What the Launchpad Provides