Kim André Pedersen is a 38-year-old football professional with extensive experience in both men’s and women’s football across Norway and Denmark. He currently serves as Sports Director and Coach at Brøndby IF Women, where he has led the club through a major transition to full-time professionalism. His focus at Brøndby includes long-term squad planning, implementing a clear recruitment strategy, and re-establishing the team as a top contender in Danish and European women’s football.
Prior to his role at Brøndby, Pedersen spent six years with Stabæk Women, holding key positions such as Head of Development, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Player Developer, and Sports Director. On the men’s side, he has coached and developed players at clubs including Skedsmo Fotballklubb, Viking FK, and FK Jerv. His leadership philosophy emphasizes structured strategy, systematic development, and the importance of a clear pathway for both players and staff.
Pedersen holds a UEFA A Licence, a UEFA Player Developer A Licence, and has completed the UEFA Masterclass for Sports Directors. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in sports science in Norway. He believes that strong alignment between the Head Coach and Sports Director is essential for the long-term success of any football club. His strategic mindset, combined with hands-on coaching and leadership experience, has positioned him as a respected figure in the evolving landscape of Scandinavian football.
Our Exclusive Interview with Kim André Pedersen
Who is Kim André Pedersen outside of football? How would you describe yourself beyond your coaching and leadership roles?
A family person, dad and husband. I spend most of my time with my wife and family. Some time is spent with my friends and light training to keep my mind and body free from stress. I am a humble, hardworking and loyal person who enjoys the small things in life (a good movie, a nice evening with my family or simply relaxing with a good red wine).
What inspired you to transition from coaching into a dual role as Sports Director and Coach, particularly in women’s football?
The role as Sports Director and coach. When I saw the movie Moneyball and the story of Billy Beane, I realized that my knowledge as a coach and my leadership skills, combined with a clear vision of the football business, could be my competitive edge. I love working on the field, closely observing the environment and using that insight to drive the changes we aim for. It gives me first-hand understanding to guide the right processes moving forward.
Can you share a moment or experience from your time at Brøndby or Stabæk that significantly shaped your approach to player development?
When you set your goals, define the pathway and tools to get there, and evaluate the process along the way, it is not the end goal but the journey toward it that I enjoy being part of. At Brøndby, we became the fourth-best team in the league despite many changes throughout the season. Many moments were tough since we did not reach our performance goals, but looking back on all the changes we implemented, I am still proud of the work and the club. Those are the moments that drive me.
You’ve worked with both men’s and women’s teams across different clubs. What are the key differences or similarities in managing these environments?
Men and women: Different football education and industry exposure from early ages (though that is starting to change). Boys have been taught to play football, while girls have often been taught to follow instructions. This is now shifting, and that is a positive development. Football is all about understanding the game and how it evolves. Unfortunately, many “old school” coaches have worked in the women’s game, which has held back its development. The new generation of coaches, both men and women, are more like teachers of the football curriculum. I appreciate that approach.
How has your education and training through UEFA licenses and the Sports Director Masterclass influenced your day-to-day decision-making?
Education and knowledge are everything. It is essential to learn how to be a teacher, understand the roles and responsibilities, how the game develops, and the different methods of learning such as peer learning, mastery learning, and coach-led learning. What does the game look like? What are the trends, tendencies, and insights into individual player pathways? These are the questions we need to explore to guide development effectively.
What are your long-term goals in football, and how do you see your role evolving in the years to come?
My long-term goal is to build Brøndby into a strong club competing at the highest level of football. I am a builder by nature and enjoy projects that involve creating something lasting for the future of the game. Sustainability, a strong organization, and a high-performance culture are key pillars for me. In the future, I want to work in a high-performance environment driven by passion and the desire to win and be the best, no matter where that is. I want to be a winner.