Female coaches on the step into men's soccer

’IF SOME GUYS HAVE A PROBLEM, IT IS THEIRS - NOT MINE...’

"I have always said I understand that it might be odd for some of the guys to have a woman as their coach, as they have probably never experienced it before.

"But if it is a problem, it is theirs, not mine. I am confident in my ability and I know what I can do to help players play their very best.

 

"It usually doesn’t take them long to see what I am about and I’ve never really had an issue with any of my players.

 

"If there is a problem on game days, it comes from the opposition and/or their management and I don’t take that personally. So, my advice is know your worth, be confident in your ability and, unfortunately, have a thick skin."

 

TINA SHEIKH - Coach, Hertford United 

 

’THERE IS A DIFFERENT SKILL SET WHEN WORKING WITH BOYS’

"The first step toward getting involved in the men’s game as a female coach, is to interact with it as much as possible.

"Whether it’s watching sessions or attending matches, it’s important to put yourself in a good position to learn, make connections, and be around for new opportunities.

 

"I feel like gender shouldn’t interfere with one’s desire to coach either male or female players. I do think that there is a different skill set applied when working with the boys, as opposed to the girls though.

 

"As a coach, you must understand that each team and every player has different needs, motivations, and ways of learning.

 

"You should also understand that YOU are still learning and can always better yourself through things like coaching education courses, getting new licenses, or just listening to the occasional webinar online"

 

MELANIE THOMAS - Head coach, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club 

 

’YOUR GENDER CAN BE YOUR SUPERPOWER’

"Naturally, being a female coach in a men’s environment, you are going to be outnumbered and that can often feel intimidating.

 

"But you have to trust yourself and speak with conviction. If you trust and believe in your own information, so will the players - and then your gender will no longer be a hindrance, it will become your superpower."

 

SIAN FITZPATRICK - Coach, The Wall FC 

 

’WOMEN MORE LIKELY TO HAVE GREATER EMPATHY’

"Be confident, direct and assertive, speak with conviction to remove any assumptions.

 

"Use your knowledge and experience. Experienced coaches will be able to develop their environment, so trust yourself and show confidence when you coach.

 

"Get to know your players, not all players work the same. Understand both the player and the person to get the best out of them. Women coaches are considered to have a higher quality in building relationships, as they are more likely to have greater empathy with their players."

 

LUCIA ABBATE - Coach, MK Dons Academy