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Women in Football has teamed up with PepsiCo on a new partnership to boost opportunities for women to pursue careers in coaching.

Launched as England’s Lionesses face Austria on the first day of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, this first-of-its kind partnership aims to attract, inspire and improve the representation of female football coaches across the UK.

PepsiCo will be sponsoring 45 places for aspiring female coaches on the Football Association’s ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course, helping to drive women’s representation at all levels of the game. They will also receive access to group training sessions and networking opportunities.

Applications for places on the course will be open to all women across the UK aged 18 and over who have a passion for coaching.

Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison said: "Almost three quarters of our members told us they want more support for the development of women in leadership roles, which underlines why partnerships like this are so important.

"Creating opportunities for women in coaching can have a positive ripple effect on female representation in football as a whole, with more role models for young women to look up to. PepsiCo’s support can help us make a real difference as we work to level the playing field."

Kelly Simmons OBE, Director of Women's Professional Game with the FA and a WIF board member, added: "The game is on a tremendous growth trajectory, and it is critical that we help to identify and support more female coaches who can inspire girls and women to play, enjoy and excel in football. The partnership between Women in Football and PepsiCo is a really exciting development for the women's game."

 

Helping women thrive

The initiative will also see PepsiCo provide a series of courses, conferences and volunteer opportunities to educate 4,500 employees about female participation and leadership in football.

Fiona Tomlin, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo UK & Ireland, said: "As a global company, we want to use our platform to help women thrive in the game, from the players leading the line at UEFA Women's EURO 2022, to talented coaches looking to break into football.

"We believe that the women's game should be just as valued and celebrated as the men’s game, and this partnership with Women in Football is how we're hoping to make a meaningful and long-term difference to champion female participation at all levels."

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How to apply

If you'd like to apply for one of the 45 PepsiCo coaching bursaries, please email joinus@womeninfootball.co.uk with the subject line 'WIF x PepsiCo Coaching Bursary' and tell us:

• your name
• your phone number
• whereabouts in the UK you live
• whether you have completed the FA's free online Playmaker course
• in 50 words or less, why you should be selected – please include details of any clubs or leagues you are associated with, and in what capacity (player, volunteer coach, club secretary, etc)

By applying you give consent for your personal information to be shared with Women in Football, PepsiCo and the Football Association. We won't share those details with any other organisation. Please note places are non-transferable, if you're unable to take up the offer, another applicant will be selected in your place.

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14 August – good luck!

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