While gaining experience is key to advancing as a coach, experience in football isn’t essential to getting started.

In this episode, we’re joined by Suey Smith, who since recording is now an FA youth coach developer in the professional game. We discover how Suey got into football and coaching when opportunities for females in football were limited. Coaching was how Suey could stay connected with football and start a football career.

Suey draws on her coaching experience to advise on how women can get into coaching. She shares the stories of her first playing and coaching experiences and the advice that she would give herself when she first started.

We go over the skills that you make use of every day, that you can draw from and apply to coaching. And for those who are thinking about stepping over the sidelines, Suey lays out how people can find the right club for them, learn the ropes and get involved.

Covered in this episode:

• How women can get into coaching. 
• Advice for brand new coaches. 
• Do you need a background in football to start coaching? 
• Finding the transferable skills that you already have that you can use as a new coach. 
• Where to find the support to get started with coaching. 
• How to find a club that aligns with your values. 
• Supporting others with getting involved and finding your assistant coach.
• How to be an ally to women in football. 
• A great session idea that you can use for sessions of any age group. 

Transcript: Episode fifteen: First steps into coaching with Suey Smith