Are you a female football coach keen to take the next step in your development? There’s a chance coming up to do just that in a fun, female-friendly environment and, best of all, it’s completely free!

The first ever women-only NZF Senior Level 2 Coaching Award will be held at Capital Football Federation headquarters in Petone, Wellington from May 8 to 12 and is fully funded, including travel and accommodation for those coming from out of town.

Anyone with an interest in coaching is welcome to apply and no prior qualifications are necessary – just a love and understanding of the beautiful game and a desire to pass on your knowledge.

However, the course is part of the Advanced Coaching Pathway and, while you do not need prior qualifications to attend, it is aimed at those who are working in environments that are linked to competitive leagues, from youth to senior players.

“While pursuing a career in coaching is now more appealing to women than it may have been in previous times, there is still a lack of females in coaching roles,” says New Zealand Football Women’s Development Manager Holly Nixon.

“We would love to see more talented women get involved with coaching and this course provides the perfect opportunity as we have been able to remove the financial barrier, as well as offering a comfortable, all-female atmosphere.”

Nixon is particularly keen to tap into the knowledge of past players, who have a wealth of experience to put back into the game but may have drifted away from football or been put off by what they could perceive as a male-dominated realm.

“We’re looking to show women that there is nothing scary or threatening about getting into coaching, it’s actually a lot of fun and there are some amazing opportunities on offer in football.”

Engaging in the New Zealand Football Coach Development Pathway – which offers both advanced and community courses – is a vital step for any female keen to make an impact in coaching.

Coaches in the National Women’s League must now have a minimum of a NZF Senior Level 2 Coaching Award qualification and there are higher honours to work towards with FIFA regulations stating that all age-group FIFA World Cup teams are required to have at least one female on the coaching staff.

Applications are now open for the female-only NZF Senior Level 2 Coaching Award but those looking to take part need to get in quick as places are limited.

To register your interest before the deadline of March 30 please click here