How Women In Football is inspiring and supporting new coaches

WSC: How many women have been involved so far and what has the feedback been?

SC: "There were 45 women involved and the feedback has been really positive.

"A lot of those on the programme would have struggled to pay for their place on the Level 1 course as they don’t have the funds and the clubs they are volunteering at don’t have the budget to pay for training.

"We hope that, by helping them achieve the first step and offering additional support while they are still learning, it will encourage them to continue coaching and ongoing training.

"One piece of feedback we received from a participant was: ’I just completed the course, so I wanted to say thanks. I have been coaching for years as an assistant, so it is great to finally start to get a qualification and I am keen to get on to the next one’."

WSC: Why is it so important to provide these opportunities for women to get into coaching?

SC: "While there has been an increase in women taking up coaching, there is a significant drop in numbers of active female coaches, due to the lack of ongoing support and resistance from within the game once they have qualified, particularly for those working at grassroots level.

"We’d like to encourage women and girls to get involved in the game, and show there are other opportunities within the game."

WSC: What are the future plans for the programme?

SC: "This current programme is due to end in March. We hope to be able to fund future programmes to help support up and coming coaches to start or continue their journeys. 

"We would also like to continue supporting the coaching community, including the 45 on this current programme, and help raise the profile of female coaches."

For more information, visit: www.womeninfootball.co.uk

CASE STUDY

"I pinched myself when I received the email confirming that I had been selected for one of 45 places for aspiring female coaches from across the UK, to receive a Women In Football coaching bursary.

"Having two young girls who dream of becoming Lionesses one day made me realise how few women and girls from south Asian communities are represented at grassroots level and within professional football.

"I want to help encourage more south Asian girls to give football a go. This means helping to break barriers that still exist in football today. No mean feat, I know!

"The coaching course itself has given me the confidence and groundings in coaching football in a safe and welcoming environment, providing the foundations for the team to connect, learn new skills, play matches and, fundamentally, have fun.

"The Women In Football programme has been invaluable, bringing together like-minded coaches who are passionate about delivering football opportunities for youngsters and seeing them grow holistically as well as in their football.

"Great Britain [field] hockey coach developer, Paul Connolly, led the mentoring sessions online, providing insightful and interactive learnings. 

"From self-awareness to tactics on the pitch, the sessions have really allowed me - someone who knows nothing about football - to build my confidence in becoming a great coach and role model."

VARSHA PATEL