Education & Early Career
Sascha Glass, born on October 12, 1972, in Germany, has built a distinguished career in women’s football management. While specific details about his early education are not publicly documented, his professional journey reflects a deep commitment to the sport.
Coaching Career
Glass began his managerial career with 1. FFC Frankfurt (2011 to 2014), where he laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy. He then moved to VfL Wolfsburg Women (2014 to 2017), contributing to the team’s competitive stature in German women’s football. His tenure at SC Sand (2017 to 2019) further showcased his ability to develop and lead teams effectively. In 2020, Glass took the helm at 1. FC Köln Women, aiming to establish the club firmly in the Bundesliga. Despite facing challenges, his leadership was instrumental in the team’s development until his departure in March 2023.
Role at VfB Stuttgart
In June 2023, Sascha Glass was appointed as the General Manager for VfB Stuttgart’s women’s football division. His arrival marked a significant step in the club’s commitment to advancing women’s football. Under his strategic guidance, the team achieved remarkable success:
- 2023 to 2024 Season: The team clinched the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg title, securing promotion to the Regionalliga Süd.
- 2024 to 2025 Season: Demonstrating consistent performance, the team won the Regionalliga Süd, earning promotion to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga.
Glass’s leadership has been pivotal in these achievements, reflecting his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.
International Engagement
Beyond domestic success, Glass has engaged in international collaborations to enhance the club’s global perspective. In November 2023, he traveled to Japan to exchange concepts and establish contacts aimed at opening new perspectives for women’s football at VfB Stuttgart. During his visit, he attended various meetings with counterparts in Japanese women’s football and observed matches, gaining insights into different football cultures.
Leadership Philosophy
Sascha Glass is recognized for his strategic approach to football management, emphasizing youth development, international collaboration, and sustainable growth. His tenure at VfB Stuttgart is marked by efforts to integrate academy players into the first team and enhance the club’s competitiveness on both domestic and international stages.
Personal Life
While Glass maintains a professional focus, he is known for his dedication to the sport and his teams. His career reflects a commitment to advancing women’s football through strategic leadership and a focus on sustainable club development.
Our Exclusive Interview with Sascha Glass
Who is Sascha Glass outside of football, and how have your personal experiences influenced your leadership in the women’s game?
I am a family-oriented person, value personal contact greatly, and have been working in women’s football for 15 years. Back then, I had the choice between a position at a youth performance center for boys and was supposed to take over a U17/U19 Bundesliga team. However, I chose women’s football because I saw more opportunities for myself in scouting and youth coordination. And that decision was absolutely right. Through my roles as head coach in Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Sand, and Cologne, I have come to know various sides of women’s football. I know the market well and have a strong network. That has especially helped me during the transition to my current position as General Manager at VfB.
What principles guide your management philosophy, particularly in leading a rapidly growing women’s football department like VfB Stuttgart’s?
In the beginning, it was important to attract talented and well-known players to VfB. Our athletic success and strengthening the team’s quality were the main priorities. The positive appeal and public impact that come with standout players, Olympic champions or former Bundesliga players are a welcome side effect. In a very short time, we managed to further establish VfB as a key destination for football-enthusiastic girls and women in the region, thanks to a strong team surrounding the squad and the club’s unconditional support. Trust and honesty are very important to me on this path. I am a team player and always willing to have difficult conversations. Personal exchange and contact matter a lot to me.
How do you balance short-term competitiveness with long-term player development in a newly promoted team?
Our planning is long-term and goes beyond the upcoming season. We want to continue developing young, talented players and help them reach their next level with us. It is important to have a good balance between integrated youth players, including from our own U17 team, and experienced players, both domestic and international.
Which mentors, experiences, or turning points have had the most impact on your football journey so far?
I have been working in women’s football for 15 years. In addition to my experience at major women’s football clubs in Germany, it was honestly mostly my own ambition that drove me forward. Both good and bad experiences have shaped my career and made me who I am today.
What international partnerships or strategies do you envision pursuing to elevate VfB Stuttgart Women in the coming years?
Women’s football is included in VfB’s internationalization strategy. Most recently, in November 2023, I traveled to Japan for a conceptual exchange. In addition to various meetings with officials from Japanese women’s football, I attended a WE League match and several other test matches. Through different conversations and constructive sporting exchange, I gained deeper insight into Japanese women’s football. It was also important for me to raise the visibility of VfB Women’s Football in Japan. Talks with coaches, officials and Japanese professional players, as well as watching their performances in the WE League, expanded my knowledge in an area that holds strategic importance for VfB Women’s Football. The outcomes have been diverse. For example, in February 2025, we hosted the JFA Academy Fukushima for a test match during our winter training camp in Stuttgart. Separately, during our summer preparations, we welcomed the Chinese team Shanghai FA.Most recently, we announced the signing of Japanese U23 national team player and experienced WE League striker Haruka Osawa. Our personal exchange also took place during my trip to Japan.
