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.
"This morning we spoke to Lucas, a young centre back who has broken into the first team. What an outstanding character. His ability to talk, particularly when questioned with high pressured questions. I felt he held himself and was a real role model for the academy. We talk a lot about culture and the culture that we're creating, and he showed it in abundance. I thought it was it was a really interesting chat with both him and Michael Essien."
Nathan Lamey, Port Vale
"The chat with the manager, Jens Olsen, was my standout moment of today. I thought he spoke about leadership and how you work alongside members of staff and the importance of having a good team around you is very impactful."
Toumani Diagouraga, Middlesbrough FC
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.
His presentation covered the structure of the transitional group, weekly routines, the International Academy programme, and the central role of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
He also highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with players and their families - a key component of FCN's 'human first' approach.
"I find the development model of FC Nordsjælland fascinating, particularly the International Academy and putting their elite players into a kind of elite group that receives solid social experiences. Also, the way that they're producing players for the first team and fast-tracking players into the first team environment. The culture at the club allows that and supports it. I think it's fascinating."
Nathan Lamey, Port Vale
The afternoon featured multiple academy training sessions across age groups (U14, U15, U17, and U19), each preceded by structured pre-training or pre-match meetings. These sessions provided a comprehensive view of how FCN tailors its coaching to the developmental needs of each age group.
The day concluded with a group viewing of Randers vs FCN, offering a chance to see the club's philosophy applied in a competitive first-team setting.
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.
Post-match reflections were held for both the men's first team and the U17s, reinforcing the importance of review and feedback in the learning process.
The day concluded with a reflective evaluation session led by technical director, Alexander Riget, who helped tie together the week's key themes.
The evening featured additional presentations from the PPCS coaches, allowing them to share their personal journeys and insights gained throughout the visit.
"My biggest takeaway is the openness of the club and how accepting they are to us as coaches to come into their environment and to share all of their good practice that they do. From planning and delivery, to the structure of their model, and their methodology of how they've created the Right to Dream project."
Tristram Whitman, Derby County
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.
FC Copenhagen delivered a dominant performance, winning 3-0.
Beyond the result, the match served as a valuable case study in tactical execution, fan engagement and the broader context in which FCN operates.
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.
Coach Reflections
Nathan Lamey, 12–13 Phase Lead Coach at Port Vale FC
"It is difficult to know where to start when summarising the study visit to FC Nordsjælland, as there was so much to take in.
"First and foremost, thank you to the Premier League for organising a great 5 days, and to everyone at FC Nordsjaelland for their incredible openness, and hospitality.
"My hot reflections are around observing that to be different and have a real unique selling point, you have to be brave, have clear vision, values, and alignment from top to bottom. Leadership has to be strong, consistent and supportive.
"The ability to reflect and understand that your vision will have some flaws, but with clear blue sky thinking you can adapt what you do, and plan to find ways to lesson those challenges.
"Structure and organisation is important allowing a platform for individuals to thrive. There may be negatives to this approach, however if your belief is strong and the planning is deep enough, you can remain agile and adaptable within the structure.
"Finally, it doesn't matter what organisation you are a part of, everything we do is about people, respect, autonomy, feeling valued and supported. If the culture is right and the people within the organisation have this support, alongside having opportunity, the organisation will thrive."
Dave Regis, Professional Player to Coach manager at the Premier League
"The visit has been nothing short of transformative for the PPCS coaches. They have been exposed to a unique approach to player development that is truly inspiring. The club's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a positive team culture has left a lasting impact on the coaches.
"They have been introduced to innovative coaching and management methodologies and a comprehensive approach to working with young players. The club's dedication to cultivating talent and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive team culture have made 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.