Leading the Future of Women’s Football

Essex is proud to be home to one of 10 FA Women’s High-Performance Centres, a cornerstone in increasing participation and developing future female football coaches. The program addresses the challenges head-on to drive long-term growth in the women's game. Last season, the high-performance centre supported 127 coaches across the region, 72 of them female, delivering UEFA C and UEFA B courses. Leading the charge is Rosi Webb.   

Introducing… Rosi Webb

The Rise of Women’s Football

Women’s football experienced huge growth in the UK, particularly since England’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The number of women and girls playing football in England has surged by 56% since 2020, driven by programs like the FA's Inspiring Positive Change strategy. Attendance at Women's Super League games increased by nearly 240% since 2021, and participation in schools significantly increased, with 77% now offering girls equal access to football.

Inspiring Female Coaches

At Essex, we are fortunate to have one of the best role models in women’s football - Rosi Webb, the highest-ranked female coach in men’s football in England. As the Coach Development Officer at our FA Women’s High-Performance Centre, Rosi works tirelessly to bridge the gap between playing and coaching. She has established strong partnerships with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton Athletic, and Arsenal, creating pathways for young women aspiring to build a career in coaching.

The Powerhouse Project

Rosi Webb’s involvement in the Powerhouse Project, founded by Mollie and Rosie Kmita, has been pivotal in inspiring the next generation of female coaches across London, the Midlands, and the North. This project, supported by England Football and Nike, supports women through coaching development programs. Not only is it helping female coaches progress from UEFA C to B licenses it has also provided them with the confidence to advance their coaching careers and feel part of a supportive network.

Key figures in the Women’s Super League, including Carla Ward (former Aston Villa manager) and Vicky Jepson (Tottenham Hotspur), are championing this initiative, extending the network of support available for women looking to thrive within a quality coaching environment. 

Laura Cousins, a coach on the Powerhouse Project and Arsenal U9’s Head Coach commented; 

"When I started at The Powerhouse Project, I was very aware and nervous that I'd only really coached at foundation phase which meant I was massively stepping out of my comfort zone. Rosi created a safe space for us to all learn, make mistakes, and ask 'stupid questions' without feeling like we are being judged. Helping us learn to receive feedback as a positive experience not a negative and that everyone is on their own journey. Rosi is an amazing, genuine person who has helped me to grow in confidence and believe in myself. Since The Powerhouse Project, Rosi has continued to support me in my new role as Arsenal U9's Head Coach and I believe the children are getting the best out of me, thanks to my newfound confidence".

Opportunities for student-athletes at Essex

Rosi’s leadership extends to our own Essex Blades women’s football team, which she guided through the majority of the 2023-24 BUCS season. Her work aligns perfectly with Essex’s commitment to nurturing talent, offering additional support through coaching groups for students pursuing degrees such as the BSc Sports Performance and Coaching and MSc Sport Coaching Practice.

Ryman Farrell, a course participant with Rosi, is now Arsenal Women’s FC U11's Lead, commented;

"It's hard to describe in words how much the Women's High Performance Centre has done for my game. The 1:1 in-situ support I received from Rosi and the team was bespoke to my desired areas of development. The 1:2:1 support helped me celebrate my attributes and qualities whilst identifying coaching attributes I need to develop. I'm forever grateful to Rosi for creating a platform where I can work with skillful players and partake in inspirational opportunities.”

Research Partnerships

At Essex, we don’t just talk about progress - we research it. Through our School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences (SRES), we work closely with Rosi Webb to conduct vital research, such as physical performance on grass during football sessions. This partnership between academic research and practical coaching creates a strong foundation for future coaches to build upon. Working towards hosting more CPD events at Essex, Rosi will be able to continue sharing this valuable research to benefit the women’s game for the future.

Building Community Through Coaching

Beyond the University, Rosi’s involvement in coaching extends into the wider football community. Working with clubs like Peterborough, Charlton and London Bees, she helps their coaches through their UEFA journey, ensuring Essex continues to be at the forefront of developing women’s football across the region. Her experience, connections, and passion to develop coaches extends through the performance sport programme, ensuring Essex remains a leader in sports education and coaching development.

References:
FA News | The Independent 

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