United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes has urged football to expand opportunities for women beyond coaching positions.
Her comments come as FIFA implements new regulations requiring female representation across technical teams at its women’s competitions.
Every participating side must now have a female head coach or assistant coach, alongside female representation among medical and bench personnel.
The regulations are being implemented for the first time at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Hayes welcomed the initiative but believes football should consider the entire support structure around women’s teams.
“I think it’s great. I think we have to go one step further, though,” Hayes said.
“I think the backroom staff, and support team, and the practitioners around the team also have to be equally balanced out.”
Hayes highlighted several areas where women require clearer professional pathways.
“Whether you’re a physio, whether you’re a doctor, whether you’re an analyst, whether you’re sitting behind the camera, I think creating opportunities for women is central.”
The former Chelsea coach believes increased access is particularly important for coaches attempting to progress through the elite game.
“Providing access for female coaches to develop is critical,” she said.
“For the rest of the world to be in a position where we’re providing access for women to coach is essential.”
Hayes’ comments come against a backdrop of continued male dominance within elite women’s coaching.
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, women accounted for only 12 of the tournament’s 32 head coaches.
FIFA has subsequently combined mandatory representation with programmes aimed at expanding the pool of qualified female coaches.
Its Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Programme currently pairs 20 developing female coaches with 20 experienced mentors from across world football.
Among the mentors are established national-team coaches including Desiree Ellis, Arthur Elias, Francisco Neto and Angelo Marsiglia.
Hayes believes the principle should eventually extend beyond those standing in the dugout.
Modern elite teams require doctors, analysts, physiotherapists, sports scientists and other specialists.
For Hayes, creating opportunities across those departments represents the next stage of developing a more balanced women’s football industry.