Then there are less celebrated players who are making a mark in coaching, such as Arsenal academy coach Dan Micciche, Bristol City Women boss Lauren Smith and Neil Ryan, under-18 coach at Manchester United.
“It’s a little bit surreal when you look at the people and some of the clubs they are working for,” says Crowther, a long-time Cymru Premier player who combines his Airbus commitments with a job as a lecturer.
“I was having a conversation with [fellow candidate] Aaron Briggs, who is working for Monaco. He was talking about working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. I am sort of laughing to myself about that.
“I can’t wait to learn from these people. The experiences they have had, I would be a fool to not listen to them.
“While it’s light years apart being at Airbus compared to Real Madrid, there are things I can take and look to apply at Airbus.”
Ancelotti is doing his pro licence in Wales following a recommendation from Tim Cahill, an FAW graduate he got to know during his father’s stint as Everton boss.
Having done his last coaching badge in Germany – while on the staff at Bayern Munich – Ancelotti insists those working near football’s summit can learn from those at less celebrated clubs.
“I did my second licence in Germany and I met people from regional level,” he says.
“At the end the dynamics are similar inside the changing room.
“A lot of the time it is more difficult to coach at a lower level. I have top professionals working with me – the mentality of the players at the top is easier to manage.”
The candidates will meet again as the course progresses, returning to Wales to complete what is the highest coaching qualification available.
They will work together – on an equal footing – on the training ground, whether they come from La Liga, the Premier League or Cymru Leagues.
