Recipients for the 2020 Female Coaching Scholarship Program Announced
Football NSW is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the Female Coaching Scholarship.
The Scholarship, designed to support the ongoing development of female coaches in the game, will allow for a total of nine female coaches to attend upcoming FFA coaching courses – four at the C-Licence level and a further five at the B-Licence level.
In announcing the recipients for 2020, Football NSW Technical Director – Women’s and Girls’, Brian Dene gave recognition to the special attributes bought to the game by female coaches, ‘The Scholarships have been introduced to encourage and support more women coaches to progress along their pathway. By providing some financial assistance, it is hoped that we can make it more achievable for women to obtain these advanced coaching qualifications.’
A selection panel involving representatives from the FFA and the Women’s, Coach Education and Technical Units of Football NSW, assessed more than 25 applicants against four criteria – the candidate’s involvement in the game, previous qualifications and history, and their commitment and potential.
The Scholarship will provide for the majority of their coaching fees to be met, and further mentoring by senior Football NSW technical staff, other mentors and involvement in a number of key Football NSW programs.
One of the recipients, Sam McGowan of SD Raiders FC, believes the Female Coaching Scholarship is a great initiative and increasing the number of female coaches will have a significant impact on the sport at a grassroots level.
“It’s such an exciting time to be involved in women’s football in Australia.
“We’re so lucky to have Sam Kerr as a standout inspiration, in particular to our young players who suddenly believe that anything is possible. Increasing the number of female coaches on the ground at the grassroots level is imperative to supporting these aspiring athletes continue their own football journey.”
Another recipient, Alisha Dudman of the Central Coast Mariners Women’s Program, who recently began coaching but has already progressed through her C-licence.
“The Scholarship will give her the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the Australian coaching pathway.
“From where I began as a coach, to where I’m tracking towards, it’s really exciting.
The Scholarship will take me to the next level in the development of my coaching skills.
Having played the game for 23 years, I am passionate and dedicated to developing players and assisting them in playing to the best of their ability.
I am professional in what I do and have the proven ability to organise my time, study and work balance.”
The inaugural recipients of the Football NSW Female Coaching Scholarships are:
B-Licence – Alisha Dudman (Central Coast Mariners FC), Irini Kacopieros (Sydney University FC), Sam McGowan (SD Raiders FC), Hannah McNulty (Northern Tigers FC) and Ayme Melham (Canterbury District SFA)
C-Licence – Sarah Ferris (Eastern Suburbs FA), Amanda Marino (Forest Rangers FC), Lauren Phelps (Blacktown Spartans FC) and Lizzie Ramsay (Lindfield FC)
Following the interest of the initial application process, this program is likely to become an annual offering to develop and support more and more female coaches of the future.
