'Inspirational' head of women's football centre secures top coaching licence

The pioneering head of Essex’s training centre for women’s football has been praised as an “inspiration” after securing a top coaching licence.

Coach development officer Rosi Webb is now one of the few women in the country to hold a UEFA 'A' licence.

Rosi, who runs the FA Women's High Performance Football Centre based at the University, is one of the highest ranked female coaches in the men’s game and is now eligible to take the reins of team’s up to the EFL Championship.

Last year the Football Association had its first all-female cohort for an A licence course, with Rosi now rubbing shoulders with several international players like Steph Houghton, Beth Mead, Karen Bardsley and Izzy Christiansen.

Rosi, who is the manager of Colchester-based Stanway Pegasus men’s team, said: "It’s something I have been working towards for a number of years so to get on the course and be around top-quality coaches that stretched and challenged me was a great experience.

“I will continue to put the hours in on the grass and get as much experience as possible and always look for opportunities that will push me outside my comfort zone.”

Essex’s FA Women's High Performance Football Centre aims to increase the number of women and girls in the sport to create a world-class talent pipeline from grassroots to elite level.

The facility is a focal point for the Eastern Region – with talent drawn from, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

Working with regional clubs and players the centre provides a hub to recruit and develop coaches who will spearhead development in the women’s and girls’ games.

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Dr Dave Parry, Director of Sport, says the centre has been a vital part of the University since opening in 2022 and hailed Rosi’s leadership.

He said: “Rosi is an inspiration to women and girls in football of all ages and this achievement highlights her love for the game, dedication, and eye for detail.

“Under her leadership the centre has blossomed, growing women’s football and creating a network of coaches across the eastern region.

“Here at Essex, we are dedicated to cementing our place as the leading sporting institution in the Eastern region and I just want to thank Rosi for her dedication and hard work.”