Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene 2020-21 Issue 3

The head coach of 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 1st November.
Priestman is 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 bronze. Priestman was also National Youth
Head Coach and Program Director, before she returned to England to rejoin The FA in 2018.
Speaking of her new role, Priestman said: “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. 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 Under-18s and I wish them every success in
the future.”
The FA’s director of women’s football, Sue Campbell said: “There is no doubt this role
was the perfect professional and personal fit for Bev.
“Whilst it is 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.”

England took the difficult decision last week to cancel the squad's away fixture against Germany,
which had been scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27th October.
This follows the return of a positive COVID-19 test result for a member of the Lionesses'
backroom staff and consequent concern for the safety and welfare of all players and staff which
remained top priority.
The current COVID-19 protocol enforced by the German government requires that any
individual who tests positive whilst in the country must self-isolate for 14 days.
The FA's chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "This has been a difficult but necessary
decision. Nothing is more important than the safety, health and wellbeing of the players and
colleagues under our care.
"We are very grateful to the DFB for their cooperation and understanding and look
forward to the possibility of a future fixture in healthier and safer times."
England head coach Phil Neville added: "While we all wanted to play Tuesday's game,
this was absolutely the right course of action. I thank Germany's staff for their understanding
and our FA colleagues for their support.
"I know the fans were hoping to see us play again but I am sure they will understand the
decision. We have still had a good week of training and are looking forward to getting together
next month before our match against Norway in Sheffield."
The remainder of England Women's October camp at St. George's Park was cancelled
and the players returned to their clubs.
Issue no. 3 - 29 October 2020 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk