Hannah Dingley has shattered glass ceilings and sparked heated debate in the football world – but she's still got a point to prove. The trailblazing coach, who made history in 2023 as England's first female manager of a senior men's side, has revealed the barriers that still block women from achieving top coaching roles.
With an impressive CV boasting a degree in sports science, a master's in sports coaching, and a UEFA Pro Licence under her belt, Dingley knows she's got what it takes to compete with the best. Yet, she claims her credentials are often overlooked because of her gender – and that stereotypical perceptions of women in sport continue to hold her back.
Dingley spoke candidly to MPs about her experiences, highlighting the stark contrast between male and female coaching pathways. While lads coming through the academy system automatically receive their UEFA C Licence, many female players lack this foundational qualification – a crucial step on the coaching ladder. It's a disparity that Dingley believes needs to be addressed, not just for women, but for the sport as a whole.
The head of Manchester City's girls' academy is fighting for change, and she wants to see more female players given the opportunity to start their coaching journey upon retirement. She's also questioning how open decision-making bodies – often dominated by men – are to hiring women in senior coaching positions.
FIFA's introduction of mandatory quotas for women's tournament teams has been hailed as a positive step forward, but Dingley stresses that it must be part of a broader strategy to support female coaches and challenge the cultural norms within football. With the Women and Equalities Committee echoing her sentiments, will 2024 be the year we see real change in the sport?
Source: BBC