Lake Macquarie FC coach, Aleshia Lyons, is the latest Women in Football Scholarship recipient.
Lyons is part of a new generation of female football leaders with big plans, ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The scholarship opens new pathways for Lyons to continue her journey as a coach, “Completing my ‘B’ Licence was definitely something that I had in mind for completing in 2024, but it was always going to be dependent on timing and finances.
Now that I’ve been awarded the Women in Football Scholarship, I have been given this opportunity to complete my ‘B’ Licence. This scholarship will provide me with a great learning platform to develop both my football and coaching knowledge,” Lyons said.
Motivated by a passion for football
Lyons was in the right place at the right time and has taken full advantage of the coaching chance.
“My coaching career in football began when I was 14 years old at the Metford Junior Football Club. The club president saw me helping at training and suggested that I give coaching a go. He had spotted me getting involved with my sister’s team and after speaking to members of the family, I decided to give it a go.
“It wasn’t long until I really developed a passion for the job - one that has opened my eyes to a possible new career path,” Lyons added. `
Over the past two years, Lyons’s coaching progression has been extensive. “I started off with coaching a small community team at Thornton Jr FC, then onto a development team at Edgeworth Jr FC, all whilst coaching at the Newcastle Jets Skills Clinics. Over the past year, I’ve continued to coach JDL 2022 at Edgeworth Eagles FC, and will soon move across to Lake Macquarie FC for season 2023,” she continued.
Dreams of turning pro
With ambitions to turn professional, Lyons has big dreams for her next steps, “I’m hoping that this opportunity will open many more doors for me in the world of football, as I have goals of eventually entering the field as a coach and professional. I see my coaching development after this program becoming a great asset,” said Lyons.
NSW Football Legacy Program
The Women in Football Scholarship Program was launched with the objective of growing female participation at all levels of the game. Working to upskill female officials, coaches and club administrators - participants have access to a range of education and development opportunities.
The Women in Football Scholarships are part of the NSW Football Legacy Program - a $10 million investment from the NSW Government. The program seeks to support female football through new community facilities, participation initiatives, development programs as well as tourism and international engagement.
You can get involved in NSW Football Legacy Program opportunities here.
