Earlier this month, the LMA supported The FA’s National League System (NLS) Conference 2026 at Loughborough University Stadium.
The conference brought together managers and coaches from across Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System to explore the key principles of match day preparation, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within their environments.
LMA Member and Scunthorpe United First Team Manager, Andy Butler, delivered two insightful sessions, including a practical coaching session with Loughborough University’s student players.
The afternoon programme featured a session led by LMA Coach Development Manager Jake Henry, who explored the principles of game modelling and how they can be applied effectively within the National League context.
The conference concluded with an engaging Q&A featuring experienced National League System managers Phil Brown, Dino Maamria and Chris Millington, who shared their insights on leadership, coaching and management within the game.
The event marked the culmination of The FA's support programme for the National League System during the 2025/26 season. As part of this initiative, The FA subsidised one League Coaches Association (LCA) membership for each of the 72 clubs across the National League, National League North and National League South.
The programme also included a dedicated Coach Development Webinar Series featuring LMA Members Paul Heckingbottom, Danny Cowley and Andy Woodman, providing coaches with access to the experiences and insights of managers operating at the highest levels of the game.
