FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – News – New Zealand helps coaches break through the glass ceiling

• The New Zealand Federation organizes Training of Trainers Program
• Famous personalities such as former international Katie Duncan, will be among the participants in 2021
• An opportunity to change perception and create references for the 2023 World Cup

Despite the gradual change we’ve seen over the past decade, the football seats have largely been dominated by men. Of the 16 teams that participated in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, only three were led by women, a number that rose to nine out of 24 teams that took part in France 2019.

This growth indicates that the number of female pickers will continue to rise FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Which will be played in just over two years. And in New Zealand, which has co-hosted the tournament with Australia, the idea is not just to click on the glass ceiling, but to smash it.

Proof of this is the New Zealand Football Association (NZF) Coach Training Program. This program will help participants individually, but its goal is also to highlight vision, create references and change perceptions about coaches. As Ashley Cox, NZF’s director of women’s football development, noted, some coaches “fear that they are the only women participating in a training session”.

The entries will be coached by three of New Zealand’s best coaches: Gemma Lewis, who participated in the 2019 FIFA Coaching Program, Natalie Lawrence and Maya Fink. In addition, the New Zealand women’s national team coach Tom Sirmani will oversee the program.

Given the quality of the applicants, the number of participants had to be increased to nine. They all have impressive credentials, including National League coaches and assistants, current capital captain Katie Barrott, and former Australian W-League soccer player Mika Reuter-Holly.

But the most famous character is without a doubt Katie Duncan. Reformed in the New Zealand midfield for more than a decade, Duncan closed his shoes shortly after he fought for the fourth World Cup in France 2019.

The former player begins a new phase in her career, and the program provides support to female players in their transition from the court to the bench, which is another indirect feature.

“I’ve always liked the feeling that I am still a“ part of a team. ”This aspect of being a coach has helped me a lot in my transition from play to not play. FIFA.com.

“It is wonderful to see so many young women with enthusiasm and a desire to learn from the experiences and knowledge that I can impart to them. Above all, I enjoy the challenge of training from a learning standpoint and a desire for continuous improvement.”

Duncan, who has played 125 times for his country, notes that historically there have been multiple obstacles to training women.

“Although we are witnessing a gradual increase in the number of women in football, there are generally several reasons why the number of coaches is still relatively low.”

“For example but not limited to, I think the fact that there was a lack of references for young players is an important factor. I also know from experience the challenge of creating a young family, and sometimes it is difficult to find a balance between your profession and being a mother and wife at the same time. Another example could be the salary gap that exists between a coach of a women’s team and what is earned in men’s football. “

Now that the first Women’s World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere looms, the New Zealand Football Association wants to provide a platform outside the stadium.

“Through this program, we hope to not only open the doors to more women who want to dedicate themselves to training at a high level, but also to inspire others to lead locally, as there will be more trainers teaching the courses,” says Cox.

“Participation rates are increasing steadily, we have the FIFA Women’s World Cup just around the corner and a strong desire for more coaches in soccer. We see this as an opportunity to coach leaders who, at a later time, continue to educate, mentor and inspire the next generation of women who want to become Coaches.