Rush Wisconsin Executive Director and U.S. Soccer Coach Educator, Jess Nash, was nominated by U.S. Soccer to participate in FIFA’s Female Coach Educators’ Development Pathway Course, joining 14 other coach educators from federations around the world in Lisbon, Portugal.

The international course gathered coach educators and FIFA Technical Experts and staff, representing 17 federations from across the globe. The initiative is part of FIFA’s ongoing effort to strengthen the network of female coach educators worldwide and support the continued growth of the women’s game.

“The environment the FIFA staff created was incredible,” said Nash. “Throughout the week, we facilitated and participated in field sessions, theory sessions in the classroom, and feedback sessions focused on improving our overall course delivery. We also explored adult learning and teaching principles that will strengthen how we educate and support coaches in our own environments.”

The course combined e-learning and online collaboration in September with an intensive in-person week at the Portugal Football Federation in October. Sessions focused on facilitation, leadership, and effective learning design, helping participants enhance how they develop coaches and create positive learning environments.

Nash, who also serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator for Grassroots and D License courses, described the experience as “transformative both personally and professionally.”

“It was an enriching space where each of us could be authentic, take risks, and learn from one another. I left feeling inspired and grateful to have shared the week with such remarkable women — some who have been leading in their federations for decades, and others who are the first female coach educators in their country.”

Nash’s participation in this global program reflects Rush Wisconsin’s ongoing commitment to coach development and education. The knowledge and experiences gained through this opportunity will continue to strengthen the club’s efforts to provide exceptional learning environments for players and coaches alike.