“Breaking Barriers: A Female Coach’s Journey Through Grassroots Football”

Jane Carroll - Coach and Club Secretary at FC Bluestar

What first inspired you to get involved in grassroots football?

I became involved 10 years ago when I realised that the provision generally for girls was poor and my daughter and others wanted to play.

Few clubs at the time has developed girls sections. Some girls played with the boys but these were a minority and all the research shows that girls need a space of their own.

I was also told by several clubs that 'girls tend to quit' with no ownership or acceptance that they may be part of the issue or exploration of why that was.

I decided to get involved to change that narrative. 

I set up drop in girls sessions and then later developed our club girls section which has had well over 20 girls for several years now.

To facilitate this progress I did my L1 coaching and later my L2 and futsal. 

We don't seek to keep expanding but have helped other clubs develop their girls sections.

We were an early entrant into Cheshire Girls League Stockport when it first started with a handful of teams; which has now grown into a large vibrant league. 

My own daughter played with boys until U12 then switched to girls football herself playing at quite a high level (following 3 years in academy football).

I have continued with my sons team which I have had from U7-U14 

What challenges have you faced as a female coach, and how did you overcome them?

As a female coach I accept the fact that currently I will always be a minority on the sidelines and on any coaching events.

However more females are appearing which is great. 

A confident professional coach will be respected whether they are male or female in my experience..

So luckily I have largely not encountered many challenges. 

The odd incident I have had has been from male parents who don't think a female coach is good enough for their child.

That's fine - their loss and I'd rather they went else where.

I do not try and claim to be 'pro / elite' etc. I do not claim to be the most technical coach; I can lean on others for that. 

I run and develop a good solid grassroots mid level squad who display sportsman like behaviour at all times. 

Our success can be measured not just in league tables but by the fact that some of my players have been with me 7 years now,

we have waiting lists to join us, including many higher level players and we are never ever short of a friendly as so many offer to play us if we are ever free.

How has support from organisations like The Football Association influenced your journey?

There is lots of support out there for any one needing a helping hand. 

The county FAs all offer lots of opportunities in my experience.

Over the years I have attended CPD sessions and workshops which have been great - there are always new ideas to be had and contacts to make. 

What impact do you hope to have on young players, especially girls?

There is lots of research showing that the benefits of girls playing team sports are huge.

The % of female leaders in industry who played team sports is much higher than those who didn't for instance. 

Sports can give girls self confidence, friendships, mental health benefits, physical health benefits and much more.

By the age of 7 girls are already identifying as 'sporty' or 'not sporty' so early physical literacy is key.

Getting girls into sport early means they are more likely to keep that habit for a lifetime. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to start coaching?

Just Do it. 

There is nothing to be afraid of and plenty to gain. 

Others will be supportive and those you help will be forever grateful.

Every new grassroots coach unlocks opportunities for more girls to reap the benefits.

And as many a coach will tell you the personal benefits you will enjoy will probably really surprise you; fun, satisfaction & rewards.

As well as many a happy memory surrounded by beaming smiles. (even if it does include the odd very wet windy muddy match or two..)