England Women’s Under-18s and former senior women’s assistant coach Beverly Priestman has today been appointed as the new head coach of Canada Women.
Priestman, who helped Phil Neville guide the Lionesses to the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, will assume her new role on 1 November.
Already well known to Canadian football fans having served as John Herdman’s assistant coach, most notably at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where Canada achieved bronz, Priestman was also national youth head coach and programme director, before she returned to England to rejoin the FA in 2018.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the FA, particularly working closely with Phil Neville and the senior squad during an exciting two years which saw us reach the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup," said Priestman.
"I have some really special memories from that two year journey and I’d like to thank Phil, the staff and the players for that. Furthermore, I have thoroughly enjoyed my recent work with the Women’s U18s staff and players in preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
“When the opportunity to lead Canada Women was on the table, I knew immediately it was something I had to do. To have the chance to return and work with some great people and lead a senior national team into two Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 fulfils so many of my professional goals.
“I’d like to thank the FA for their unwavering support and understanding. It was clear from my very first conversation with Sue Campbell that she places huge value in supporting female coaches to succeed at the very top of the game.
“I will miss the many wonderful colleagues and players I’ve had the privilege to work with at England, both with the senior team and the U18s and I wish them every success in the future.”
And our director of women’s football Sue Campbell added: “There is no doubt this role was the perfect professional and personal fit for Bev.
"While it's always sad to lose such a talented coach, it is testament to her abilities and experience in the women’s game that she has secured such a significant national role.
“We thank Bev for her hard work and commitment to our England teams over the last three years and wish her and her family the very best for the next stage of their journey.”
We will now utilise the talent and experience within its existing team of national coaches to manage the Women’s U18s and further details regarding Priestman’s replacement will be announced in due course.
