When Ingrid Vanherle, Women’s Football Director at Standard Liège, joined the first ECA Women on Board Programme delivered in collaboration with Women in Football - she did so with a clear goal: to raise her leadership to the highest professional standards. What she didn’t expect was just how transformational the experience would be.
Today, she sits as a Board observer at European Club Association, a powerful testament to how far she’s come and how influential the programme has been in shaping that journey.
“This programme didn’t just elevate my skills. It opened doors,” says Vanherle. “Becoming part of the ECA Board would have felt out of reach before. But through Women on Board, I found my voice, my confidence — and my place at the table.”
For Vanherle, joining the programme was driven by a deep sense of purpose. As a woman already holding a leadership position at Belgian side Standard Liège, she saw personal growth as a responsibility, not just for herself, but for the people she leads.
“It felt an essential step to keep evolving, to ensure I was leading in a way that reflected both modern governance and the values we want to see in the game,” she explains.
Finding the Power of Authenticity
One of the most profound lessons Vanherle took from the programme was the power of authenticity in leadership. In an industry where emotion is often seen as a weakness, she learned that showing emotion as a woman in football can, in fact, be a strength.
“Expressing emotion is not a flaw, it’s a form of connection. It’s what makes leadership human,” she explains.
Where Vanherle once held back in high-level discussions, she now engages with greater conviction and emotional intelligence.
“I used to be more cautious in expressing my views. But the programme has taught me to lean into my authenticity, to speak up with confidence and honesty. That’s where real collaboration starts.”
Her strategic perspective has evolved too. Exposure to a range of club governance models from across Europe during the ECA Women on Board Programme helped Vanherle identify areas for improvement at Standard Liège and sparked new ideas to shape the club’s future.
Building a Bond with Fellow Female Leaders
Perhaps most powerful of all was the solidarity she found in her cohort: a group of women who looked to inspire, support and challenge each other at every step.
“We built a foundation of trust, vulnerability and mutual respect. No matter the size or stature of our clubs, we faced many of the same challenges. It reminded me that we belong in football leadership. We have a right to shape the game.”
The relationships forged during the programme continue to fuel her progress. Networking sessions, particularly those held in Athens — opened doors and created opportunities that she would not have accessed otherwise. Among the most impactful: opportunities: a seat on the ECA Board.
“That appointment was a turning point,” Vanherle says. “It was made possible by this programme.”
Reflecting on her ECA Women on Board Programme experience, Vanherle cannot understate how the programme equipped her with the tools to lead at the highest level.
“This isn’t just a leadership course. It’s a catalyst. It made me a stronger, more self-aware leader. It connected me with incredible women and it gave me the confidence and credibility to step onto the biggest stages in European football.”
Interested in growing your skills? ECA offers a wide range of learning opportunities designed specifically for professionals at our Member Clubs. To explore the ECA Women on Board Programme, or any of our other development courses, please visit our ECA Campus website.
The second edition of the ECA Women on Board Programme kicks off on August 12.