On Wednesday, 19th February 2025, the Female Coaching Network (FCN) launched its much-anticipated 2025 Live Webinar series. The event, hosted by renowned Australian Strength and Conditioning Coach Nicolai Morris, brought together coaches from across the world, including the USA, Canada, Kenya, Scotland, Sweden, and Australia. The special guest for the evening was FCN founder Vicky Huyton, a trailblazer in the coaching industry who has dedicated over 25 years to empowering female coaches and shaping the future of performance sport.
Vicky spoke candidly about her journey—one that began at just 15 years old and led her to coach elite track & field athletes, professional footballers at Everton FC, and the England women’s football team. But despite her success, she recognised the immense challenges women face in the coaching profession and was determined to create a space for change. That determination gave birth to the Female Coaching Network, a platform designed to connect, support, and amplify the voices of women in coaching.
During the webinar, Vicky highlighted the systemic barriers that continue to hold women back. Coaching structures, historically designed by and for men, often leave women without the same opportunities, resources, or support. She emphasized the need for systemic reform, not just to include women, but to intentionally build a coaching culture that values and supports them. The conversation also touched on the importance of male allies in this movement, with both Vicky and Nicolai stressing that true inclusivity requires collective effort.
Excitingly, FCN has ambitious plans for 2025. The upcoming launch of the FCN Academy promises to be a game-changer, providing female coaches with access to expert-led courses, mentorship programs, and invaluable networking opportunities. As Vicky reflected on her career, she also shared personal insights into the importance of self-care and resilience. In a high-pressure industry, taking a step back and focusing on well-being is just as crucial as pushing for change.
As the webinar wrapped up, one thing was clear—this was more than just a discussion. It was a call to action. The FCN continues to lead the charge in transforming the coaching landscape, ensuring that the next generation of female coaches doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Some of the key takeaways from the webinar:
Challenges and Initiatives for Women in Sports Coaching
- 👩🏫 Vicky Huyton opened up about her journey in founding the Female Coaching Network (FCN). She created it as a much-needed safe space for women in coaching, a field still overwhelmingly dominated by men.
- 🤝 The FCN is all about connection—bringing female coaches together to share experiences, build networks, and drive change.
- 🔄 What started as a platform for sharing stories has evolved into a movement actively shaping the sports coaching industry. Through strategic partnerships, FCN is making a real impact.
- 🚧 Women in coaching still face numerous hurdles, from systemic barriers to a lack of structured support. Vicky stressed that real change requires rethinking the entire system, not just making room for women in a male-centric model.
- 🤝 Both Vicky and Nicolai emphasized the critical role of male allies in addressing gender disparities. It’s not just about including women—it’s about changing the culture of coaching to be more inclusive overall.
- 🏃♀️ Looking ahead, FCN has some exciting initiatives in the works, particularly in track and field. A major focus is developing structured selection policies to ensure more fair representation of women in coaching roles.
Empowerment and Support for Female Coaches in Sports
- 🎓 A huge milestone for FCN is the launch of the FCN Academy. This online platform will offer courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities from experienced coaches. A special focus will be on learning from retired female coaches and building strategic partnerships for long-term support.
- 🤝 Networking is everything in sports, especially for women looking to advance their careers. Vicky shared how male allies have played a key role in supporting her journey.
- 🧘 In the midst of pushing for change, self-care matters. Vicky reflected on personal lessons through poetry, reminding attendees to stay true to themselves and prioritise well-being in such a high-pressure industry.
- 💬 Women often struggle to have their voices heard in male-dominated spaces. Vicky emphasised the need for leaders to actively seek input from female coaches, ensuring their perspectives and contributions aren’t just acknowledged but valued.
- 💻 This webinar reinforced the importance of creating a supportive and equitable environment for female coaches. FCN continues to lead the charge, driving real change through advocacy, education, and systemic reform. As more male allies step up and organizations commit to tangible actions, the future of women in sports coaching looks brighter than ever.