New Women’s Excel Program (U-14/U-17) Director appointed
11 June 2013
The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Beverly Priestman as the new Women’s Excel Program (U-14/U-17) Director. Priestman will handle coaching and leadership responsibilities in technical and national team areas for the 14-17 year-old age group, under John Herdman’s direction.
“Beverly brings with her a wealth of international experience including both coaching and technical development, which makes her ideal for this position,” said Women’s National Team Head Coach and Women’s Program Director John Herdman. “Her energy, passion and leadership at this crucial part of our system will help us achieve our long term goal of creating a world class talent development model for Canada.”
Formerly Head of Football Development with New Zealand Football, Priestman has experience working with players and coaches across levels from local club to international elite. Her career in coach education and women’s football development as well as her understanding of coach and player development will be valuable assets to the continued growth of Canada’s Women’s National Team program on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015TM.
“Coming to work in this capacity in a country that provides tremendous support to women’s football is a fantastic opportunity,” said Priestman. “I am looking forward to building the system to produce the next generation of national team players, which is crucial for sustained success such as what the Women’s National Team experienced at London 2012 when it captured the hearts of the Canadian public.”
Born in the United Kingdom and with a Science and Football Degree, Priestman's career includes both coaching and football development. On the grass, she was involved in coaching at Everton Ladies and their centre of excellence, New Zealand U-15 Women’s Coach, supporting two U-17 Women’s Campaigns and other national team environments. She is also a FIFA Coaching Instructor for Women's Football.
In a leadership and development capacity, Priestman started as a Women's Development Officer in Oxfordshire for the English Football Association back in 2007. She then moved to New Zealand for a Regional Coach Development position, before stepping in to head office in the role of Women’s Football Development Manager and then Head of Football Development in 2011.
“Her role centres on leading system changes to develop new and existing talent development pathways nationally and regionally,” added Herdman. “As the Women’s Excel U-14/U-17 Program Director she will also lead our Women’s U-17 National Team into FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying in October this year.”
As an extension to the Women’s National Team, the Excel Program’s aim is to implement a new playing model and build a new identity for women’s soccer in Canada. The EXCEL program has been put in place by the Canadian Women’s coaching staff to help bridge the gap from the youth levels to the senior program.
About the Canadian Soccer Association
The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on the Canadian Soccer Association, visit CanadaSoccer.com
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