“Fix the system, not the women.”
International sports systems are failing to not only increase the number of female coaches on elite teams but also to improve their overall experience while on these teams.
How we change the system
We work with sports federations to create change in their coaching landscape, developing an equitable culture for male and female coaches.
- Research
We create and collect unique insights and stats exploring the landscape of the elite coaching system. - Consulting & Advising
We advise, guide and consult with federations, governing bodies and teams to help them create change in their current cultures & systems, providing safer, more effective and efficient performance environments for all. - Speaking Engagements
Leveraging our unique insights and deep understanding of high-performance sports systems, we speak at conferences and events to inspire and support others in driving change and building better systems for women in sport.
FCN | Track & Field: Reform (2024 – )
Consulting & Advising
This project aims to tackle the lack of female high performance coaches from a different angle, and address the cultures and systems in place which prevent women from progressing up the coaching chain. The approach will be to create the foundations of transparent and fair staff selection processes and ensure coaching teams are built around the needs of the athletes.
FCN x Nike | Track & Field:UK (2020 – 2023)
Consulting & Advising
Pre 2020, the sport was in dire need of highlighting and addressing the many issues and barriers which lead to women’s exclusion in coaching and leadership. The Track & FIELD:UK project aimed to investigate the current landscape, give the coaches and athletes involved an independent voice, and create sustainable changes for the governing bodies to implement.
FCN x Tottenham Hotspur | UEFA B & Beyond (2022 – 2023)
Consulting & Advising
This fully funded season long internship is a unique and innovative approach to addressing the lack of female coaches in the Women’s Super League and English Premier League. By creating a paid coaching pathway for talented female coaches, we are breaking down the barriers which prevent women from accessing networks, education and opportunities in two of the World’s biggest football leagues.
Speaking Engagements
Speaking
Leveraging our unique insights and deep understanding of high-performance sports systems, we speak at conferences and events to inspire and support others in driving change and building better systems for women in sport.
Achieving Gender Equity in High Performance Athletics Coaching in the UK (2021)
Research
The FCN took a collaborative approach to creating change by partnering with Leeds Beckett University and the Centre for Social Justice in Sport lead by Professor Leanne Norman to conduct this innovation research.
FCN Coach Well-being Report (2018)
Research
The report focusses on the occupational wellbeing, career transitions and unique skills women bring to coaching. This research was conducted as a collaboration between Leeds Beckett University and the Centre for Social Justice in Sport.
“ I would like to thank the Female Coaching Network for sharing the findings with me and also involving me with some of the discussions with the coaches involved in the research, I hope that this proves that we are building trust with groups that previously have felt they were marginalised or excluded by our sport.”
– Joanna Coates, former UK Athletics CEO
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