Mums step up to coach future stars

Former England defender Anita Asante has joined Faversham Strike Force FC to support the ‘This Mum Can’ campaign, which aims to get more mothers into coaching and volunteering roles in grassroots football.

Asante’s backing comes at a key moment. Since the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph, girls’ football participation has jumped by 56%. But while more girls are playing, fewer women are coaching. UK Coaching research shows the number of female volunteer coaches fell by 10% between 2022 and 2024, down to just 38%.

Strike force model

Asante, who won 71 England caps and previously managed Bristol City Women, said: “Female coaches are vital role models, especially for helping girls stay active through their teens. It’s vital we halt this decline – now, when so many are inspired by the Lionesses.”

At Strike Force, mum-of-two Ally Walters is doing just that. She returned to coaching after having her daughters and now leads the club’s women’s team. “I want my girls to see that as a mum, you can have your own passions too,” she said. “If women aren’t volunteering, we’re missing out on 50% of the people who could be making a difference.”

Women like Ally are proving that elite playing experience isn’t essential to become a successful coach. She’s in good company in that respect too. England boss Sarina Wiegman played only at a recreational level before leading two nations to major finals, while Emma Hayes never played professionally but built a WSL-winning dynasty at Chelsea through tactical skill and leadership. With 78% of women saying visible female coaching role models would support their progression, campaigns like This Mum Can could be crucial – not just for players, but for the next generation of women leading the game.