Listen to our Coaching Tip from UK born Canadian Soccer Coach Bev Priestman.
Everton FC knew she was a winner, hiring her even before she finished university. A year later Beverly Priestman joined England’s Football Association. Soon after, her ability caught the attention of New Zealand Football, where in 2011, after five years and a series of promotions, she became the head of football development at 25 years-of-age.
In 2013, Priestman, in search of a new challenge, decided to join Canada Soccer as the Director of the Women’s Excel Program (U-14/U-17). And, once again, results have followed.
At the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship, Canada was the class of the tournament. Lauded for its ball possession and organization in both attack and defense.
Having scored 24 goals and conceded three, Priestman’s players swept the individual honours, including the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove and seven spots on the tournament’s Best XI list.
Born in Consett, a small town 23 kilometers outside of Newcastle, in Northern England, Priestman is a self-confessed workaholic – what she calls the price of excellence.
Her next challenge comes in March, when Canada travels to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014. While Canada has a strong team, Priestman says that it’s a mistake to focus solely on the results.
For her, it’s more important to develop players. Players like Sura Yekka and Jessie Fleming, who have already transitioned toward the senior team. It’s a rewarding task, and one of the reasons why Priestman chose to come to Canada.
To read our exclusive full interview with Bev CLICK HERE
To listen to Bev giving her tips on Youth Development, watch the video below!
