They could be the future of women’s football, but it’s not happening yet…

Introduction

Although it is common for male footballers to become top level coaches at the end of (and sometimes during) their playing career, the same cannot be said for women. This means that elite female players (and women in general) remain an ‘untapped resource’ in the industry, negatively impacting far more than simply the quality of available coaches. Through increasing visibility of high-level female coaches, there is potential for wide ranging benefits including increased participation by girls and women, an increase in female coaches throughout the game, improved performances at the highest level, and the perception of women as leaders in general . It is therefore of interest to investigate the experiences of elite female footballers, to find key influencers on their future career intentions. This blog highlights some key findings from a study conducted with female Scottish players, who were representing their country and / or playing in the top Scottish division.

Why should we be bothered?

Former players are more likely to become coaches than any other population. Although performing at the highest level does not in itself make one a quality coach, it is likely that some unique attributes developed through elite performance would add to other essential coaching qualities that could be developed through coach education and experience. Being an elite athlete requires far more than technical and tactical skills, therefore having experienced the situation, former players can better understand the wider pressures experienced by other athletes. It has also been reported that, for women specifically, international athletic success leads to increased confidence, and ability to gain the respect of their athletes.

All players interviewed in the current study passionately emphasised their love of the game, and that they wanted to be involved for as long as possible; for their own benefit; and to ‘give back’ to the game. Although none showed a preference for either gender, many felt a benefit from being coached by someone who had played in their position, showing the value of relatedness. They were very clear in their desire to be coached by ‘the right individual’ – regardless of gender – but they did discuss a few unique experiences female coaches brought  – namely their approachability and understanding of ‘women’s issues’, such as periods. They also discussed the lack of role models earlier in their career, that limited their belief that turning professional could be a reality.

So, what’s stopping them?

The players interviewed discussed sacrifices they had made throughout their careers, and wondered if they really wanted to continue into the future. For many, their own coaches worked part-time and, having had second jobs throughout their playing careers themselves, they pondered the impact of continuing this juggle on future quality of life. With fewer opportunities for female coaches – driven by the ongoing resistance to women coaching men – the likelihood of earning enough for coaching to be a sole means of income remains low, leading the perpetual cycle of limited role models, and thus aspirations, to continue.

Like many previous studies, lack of confidence proved a real limitation to coaching aspirations. Although many had gone through coaching courses, and gained some experience ,they either literally, or metaphorically, laughed off the idea of them – one day – coaching the national team. This is likely related to limited hitherto success of other women, and outdated stereotypes that have been constant throughout their careers.

A factor that came through strongly in my interviews, was that elite female players were more likely than their male counterparts to have wider career options. All but one of the players had been to university for ‘something to fall back on’, and / or to supplement their playing wage. Their qualifications and experience meant that for many, they would be turning down better pay and other wider benefits, if they were to choose the more unpredictable career of a football coach (which, regardless of gender, remains extremely precarious).

What Can We Do about it?

Through tending to have formed identities outside of football – many of the players in my study talked of keeping it separate – women are less likely to experience ‘identity foreclosure’, and the issues that can bring. This is a good thing, and I would not recommend that young girls turn professional too early, however for the benefit of the elite game – and society in general – it is important that coaching is a consideration at least. For this to happen my recommendations are as follows:

Increase the number, and visibility of, role models at all levels. Although in the professional game there are some female coaches, all of those I interviewed were coached solely by men in their younger years, when they were likely forming their ideas about the characteristic of a football coach. By increasing visibility of women in grassroots sport, the chances of young girls seeing it as a ‘man’s game’ are reduced.

Linked to this, is the widening of opportunities for learning and experience from the bottom up. Shoehorning ‘token’ women in at higher levels, to reach quotas, means often those appointed are set up to fail. As emphasised by those I interviewed, seeing few women successful at the highest level themselves, impacted the belief that they could do it.

Not gender specific, but linked to the fact that many female footballers are qualified and / or experienced in more stable careers, a way must be found to increase the security of embarking on a coaching career. Also, the travelling and unsociable hours often accompanying the role can be off-putting to women who continue to be more likely to wish to be home as primary care-giver in the family. These issues are – in my opinion – harder to address than others, due to the nature of the job. Answers on a postcard please…!

Conclusion

Women remain greatly underrepresented in the field of coaching, especially in traditionally male-dominated ones such as football. Women, and ex-elite players, could potentially bring unique attributes that would only enhance the sport – and experience of those playing and watching it – however female players seem reluctant to become coaches, especially at the highest level. There are many reasons for this lack of coaching intentions, and through addressing them, the likelihood of changing the narrative could potentially be possible.

Calls to Action

• Let’s change this narrative!

• Please comment and / or get in touch to let me know your thoughts.

• Share this article, and foster wider discussion / research.

• Support aspiring coaches through accessible qualifications, support networks, and mentoring.

• Encourage any female coaches you know to be confident, and be the change!

• Let’s change the narrative, and make both men’s and women’s football, better!

Blog editor: Dr Tess Flood

Blog administrator: Dr Jacky Forsyth