Ayr United assistant Mick McArdle says he is "privileged" to represent the club on Europe's most prestigious coaching course.
The Somerset number two is among an elite line up of 20 names unveiled today as part of the UEFA Pro Licence intake.
The course, delivered by the SFA, will see candidates embark on a two year programme bidding to unearth the next star bosses and coaches.
Former Scotland internationals Kenny Miller, Shaun Maloney, James McFadden and Kevin Thomson are among others to make the cut.
McArdle was among a field of 84 applicants whittled down to the final shortlist.
Candidates will hone their skills on everything from leadership, management and performance analysis to psychology and physiology.
McArdle, who is currently studying a Masters Degree in Advanced Performance Football Coaching at the University of South Wales, has helped to transform Ayr's training regime with a number of new techniques.
He already boasts UEFA A Licence and Youth A Licence awards with two decades of coaching experience - including a vast background in the development side of the game.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "It's a very tough application process so I'm thrilled to be selected.
"Working alongside Mark (Kerr) at Ayr is a fantastic experience and a job I'm proud to do.
"So I'll be very privileged to represent the club on this course and it's a really exciting opportunity.
"You're getting the chance to learn from the best in Europe and tap in to an incredible amount of knowledge."
Coursework will be carried out over international breaks and, due to Covid restrictions, begin online from August 31.
Mick, 42, added: "I've been used to studying all my life so there's no change there!
"This is the top level of award you can get in UEFA so in terms of personal goals, it's right up there for me.
"And hopefully I can use as much of that to help with what I'm doing at Ayr, who've given me an opportunity which I am blessed to have."
Scottish FA Head of Coach Education and Development, Greig Paterson, added: "The shortlisting and selection process was really competitive, as it always is.
"It was extremely difficult arriving at the final 20 course participants but the strength of this group is clear to see.
"Now that they are assembled and confirmed, we look forward to working with them for the next two years."
Full 2020-22 Pro Licence Line up:
Francisco Alonso, Women's Head Coach, Celtic FC
Douglas Anderson, Coach Education & Development Manager, Scottish FA
Neill Collins, Head Coach & Technical Director, Tampa Bay Rowdies
Gerard Creaney, Head of Youth Coaching, St Johnstone FC
Gilberto Damiano, Manager/Head Coach, US Virgin Islands Men's NT
Brown Ferguson, Manager, Linlithgow Rose JFC
Mark Fotheringham, Assistant Manager/CO Trainer, FC Ingolstadt
Gavin Levey, Head of Coaching Academy, Aberdeen FC
Shaun Maloney, Assistant, Royale Belgian FA
Michael McArdle, Assistant Manager, Ayr United FC
Scott McDonald, Player/Academy Coach, Brisbane Roar
Kenny Miller, Assistant Manager, Newcastle Jets
Diarmuid O'Carroll, U20s Manager & 1st team Opposition Analyst, Motherwell FC
Darren O'Dea, U18 Manager, Celtic FC
Greig Robertson, Youth Coach, Celtic FC
Max Rogers, Assistant Head Coach, Saint Louis FC
Pedro Daniel Sousa, Assistant Coach, Olympique de Marseille
Kevin Thomson, B Team Coach, Rangers FC
Dean Whitehead, First Team Coach, Shrewsbury Town FC
