Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Development Experience for Future Female Coaches
In a significant stride towards empowering women in football coaching, four talented mentees from the Football NSW Future Female Coaches Mentoring Program recently gained a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at a national team training environment.
This unique development experience took place during the CommBank Junior Matildas training camp held at Valentine Sports Park, just ahead of their departure for the 2025 ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championships in Indonesia.
The session allowed the aspiring coaches to immerse themselves in high performance preparation and gain invaluable insights into the workings of a national team.
The experience included observing the Junior Matildas’ pre-training meeting, watching a full training session, and engaging in an exclusive post-session Q&A with Head Coach Michael Cooper and his coaching staff.
This behind-the-scenes access provided the mentees with a comprehensive understanding of high-performance coaching in a competitive international setting. It offered an unfiltered look into tactical planning, team dynamics, and the leadership required at the highest levels of youth international football.
Football NSW Coach Development Manager Chris Adams emphasized the importance of such opportunities for female coaches within the state’s football community.
“Providing these development experiences is vital for nurturing the next generation of female coaching talent. It not only broadens their exposure to elite environments but also inspires confidence and ambition in their coaching journeys.”
Proudly partnering with the NSW Office of Sport to deliver the Empower Her – Asian Cup Legacy Program, this initiative forms part of the broader FNSW Future Female Coaches Mentoring Program that is commitment to fostering inclusive coaching pathways and advancing women’s representation in leadership roles.
“Learning firsthand from national team coaching staff is invaluable for these mentees, who all strive to become national team coaches,” said Head of Women and Schools Football Hayley Todd.
“Football NSW would like to thank CommBank Junior Matildas Head Coach Michael Cooper for the incredible opportunity.
“We wish the CommBank Junior Matildas all the best as the squad sets off to Indonesia to take on Thailand and Singapore in Group C of the ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championships.”
With continued support and investment in such initiatives, Football NSW aims to cultivate a vibrant pipeline of female coaches ready to lead and inspire the next generation of players.
Below are the list of the coaches that attended:
- Rebekah Stuart (Sydney University SFC)
- Amanda Millgate (Hills United FC)
- Maddison Zahra (Gladesville Ravens)
- Lauren Phelps (Gladesville Ravens)
- Nadine Shiels (FNSW)
- Anissa Tan (FNSW)
- Spencer Prior (FNSW)
- Lisa Warrener (FNSW)
