George Papakostas

UEFA PRO | HEAD COACH WU19

Giorgos Papakostas is a football coach holding a UEFA PRO license, with experience at both amateur and professional levels.

Over the last eight years, he has worked first as an assistant coach and later as head coach of the Greek national women’s youth teams (U19 and U17). During this period, he led the Greece Women’s U19 National Team to its highest-ever UEFA ranking, reaching 12th place, and came very close to achieving the first qualification for a UEFA European Championship in the history of Greek women’s football.

In previous years, he worked as both assistant and head coach in men’s football at amateur and professional levels, as well as in youth development football. With the Kozani Football Association’s regional national selection team, he won the Greek national championship.

His coaching profile is characterized by dedication to achieving goals through methodical work, knowledge and the ability to transfer it effectively, consistency, respect, and strong competitive principles.

Presentation (Day 1): WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: The European and Greek Reality

George Papakostas will present the historical evolution of women’s football in both Europe and Greece, highlighting the challenges and opportunities emerging across all areas of the sport, especially within the Greek football landscape. The presentation will begin with an overview of the major developments led by UEFA, including analysis of the “UNSTOPPABLE” program and key decisions shaping the future of women’s football in Europe and worldwide.

The discussion will then focus on the current state of women’s football in Greece through competitions, development programs, federation support, club structures and operations. Using findings from studies conducted by the Hellenic Football Federation, the competitiveness, challenges and future prospects of women’s football in Greece and Europe will be examined.

Finally, special reference will be made to the differences and unique characteristics between women’s and men’s football, as well as injury prevention and physical preparation, in collaboration with Women’s U19 National Team fitness coach, Vaggelis Koutsogiannis.

Workshop (Day 2): WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: A. Development, Challenges, and Prospects B. National Teams

George Papakostas and Vaggelis Koutsogiannis will discuss the evolution of women’s football, focusing on challenges related to infrastructure, financial limitations, recognition and visibility of the sport, as well as the participation of women in leadership roles within football. They will also analyze the opportunities emerging for coaches, performance staff and technical teams through the rapid growth of women’s football.

Topics will also include:

📌 National Team competitions

📌 Selection and scouting processes for international players

📌 Tactical approach and training methodology of the Women’s U19 National Team

📌 The importance of physical conditioning through the specific needs of female football players, including analysis of performance and fitness data

💬 The workshop will conclude with an open discussion, questions and exchange of ideas with the participants.