FIFA have launched the first edition of the Female Leadership Development Programme, an initiative that will provide support to women across the globe who are looking to become future leaders in football.

The programme is part of the world's football governing body 10 key principles to further women's football and improve female representation in the game, presented in June at the 64th FIFA Congress in São Paulo, Brazil.

A total of 35 female leaders from around the world will get together for three workshops during the course of the programme, which will involve extensive fieldwork over a nine-month period, with each participant required to work on an individual project that has the potential to transform the state of girls’ and women’s football.

Participants will also have the opportunity to be paired with an experienced mentor who will advise them on their leadership skills development.

Moya Dodd, FIFA Executive Committee co-opted member and chair of FIFA Task Force for Women’s Football, said: "This programme will give 35 outstanding women the opportunity to fulfil their leadership potential in football,

"Improving the gender balance in football decision-making – including at executive committee level in all governing bodies – will enhance football governance and improve the game overall."

The first module of the programme will kicks-off in Vancouver on 4 July, prior to the Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 final.

The two subsequent modules for the 2015/16 edition will take place in Zurich from 28 September to 2 October 2015 and from 29 February to 3 March 2016. The selected participants have all been involved in women’s football and have played a key role at FIFA and the member associations.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said: "The objective of the FIFA Female Leadership Development Programme is to increase the number of female leaders and role models in football,

"It is crucial for the development of our sport to support the emerging generation of female leaders in football. We are also hoping to see more former players involved in leading roles."

The Female Leadership Development Programme follows the Women’s Football and Leadership Conference held in March 2015 ahead of the Women's International Day to discuss ways to improve the representation of women in leadership.

From FIFA.com