Five up and coming female coaches have been awarded 2020 Northern NSW Football C-Licence Coaching Scholarships for Women.
Aleshia Lyons (Edgeworth Junior SC), Ellie Jones (Broadmeadow Magic FC), Serena Carter (New Lambton FC), Olivia Sneddon (Adamstown Rosebud JFC) and Lisa Webb (Woolgoolga United FC) were awarded the five scholarships following the assessment process.
The 2020 program saw applications from coaches representing clubs from Football Far North Coast, North Coast Football, Newcastle Football and Macquarie Football as well as Northern NSW Football’s Premier Competitions.
The scholarship was established to provide funding assistance to female coaches to complete the FFA/AFC C-Licence advanced coaching accreditation.
The Northern NSW Football initiative will also help increase the number of advanced accredited coaches within NNSWF.
Each scholarship includes a $1,000 contribution towards the course fee for either the FFA C-Licence Youth or Senior course. The total course fee is $1,185, with successful candidates to contribute the balance of the fee.
Coaches will receive ongoing support from the NNSWF Coach Development Officer and NNSWF Female Participation and Inclusion Officer, with the successful applicants required to complete the scholarship within 12 months and attend the 2021 NNSWF State Coaching Conference.
NNSWF Head of Football Development Peter Haynes said the scholarship was a great initiative for NNSWF to continue to support after its success last year.
“The scholarship ensures we continue to identify and support females involved in coaching within northern NSW,” Haynes said.
“Data shows us that we have significantly less females coaching as compared to males.
“The 2019 C-Licence Coaching Scholarship for Women proved that there is a significant level of interest and commitment from women and girls to undertake continued coach education and NNSWF is committed to reducing the barriers for aspiring female coaches.
“It is important as the governing body that we are investing in this area and we must not underestimate the impact that female coaches can have in our clubs and on future generations of talented players.”
The scholarship addresses several Northern NSW Football strategic goals including:
- Significantly increase the participation of females throughout the sport
- Improve the technical standard of players
- Develop technically and tactically proficient coaches throughout the Talented Player Pathway
- Enhance and increased the opportunities for talented girls
- Increase the capacity of clubs and coaches to identify and develop talented players
Additional quotes:
Ellie Jones – Broadmeadow Magic
“Receiving the C-Licence scholarship would certainly enhance my ability to continue to develop as a coach. It has been something I have always wanted to do although, as a first-year uni student it is not something I can afford at this time.
“I aim to create an environment for players which they can be comfortable and grow and I know the knowledge I would gain from the C-licence would only improve this.
“Northern NSW Football would be assisting many girls by awarding the licence to me because I will continue to advocate for women’s football and aim to create passionate footballers.”
Aleshia Lyons – Edgeworth Junior SC
“This scholarship is such a wonderful opportunity for ladies. It’s great to see Northern NSW Football taking such a strong and positive approach to encourage more ladies to become involved within the code.”
Olivia Sneddon – Adamstown Rosebud JFC
“I believe this program is a great initiative from Northern NSW Football as there isn’t enough female coaches at higher levels of football.
“I would love to develop as not only a head coach but also as a high-level goalkeeper coach which currently does not have many females at this level.”
Lisa Webb – Woolgoolga United FC
“As a coach I want to be able to have the knowledge and skill to develop players that they can become.”
Serena Carter – New Lambton FC
“Over the next five years I would like to continue coaching at Herald Women’s Premier League level as it will challenge me as a coach and hopefully make me a better footballer.
“I would also like to help out at a grassroots level as my passion is getting more young females into football.”