Female Coaches...where are they?
“They don’t have any kind of plan for my maternity leave.” “He made several comments about my legs and how hot I was…” “I was told I can’t have my baby in the carrier strapped to me while coaching.” “I’m one of one female coaches in my soccer club.” “ I was told I am too difficult and emotional.”
As a female focused organization we hear SO many reasons why women either leave coaching or do not want to get into coaching. I am asked why I didn’t get into coaching at a higher level when I was younger. When I was 16 I remember being astonished by seeing both Brandie Chastain and Lesle Gallimore as female coaches within the ODP program, because I had never seen a competitive coach that wasn’t a mom until then. When I was 22 I worked collegiate soccer camps and had my first experience with being hit on and followed back to my room. When I was 33 I had my first experience being condescending asked if I knew anything about soccer while coaching my sons’ rec team amongst all males. Now in my 40’s when I attend coaches conventions and seminars, I am often the only woman in the room. I am looked at as less than, and spoken down to as a female founder. And the sad part is that I am not alone in why I chose to not coach. I have several friends who have left the profession or are afraid to come forward to talk about what it’s really like to be a female coach in the “old boys club.” I chose to create a mentorship program so we could offer women a different role to stay in the game and make an impact. One that looks slightly different, but adds to empowering both the athlete and the coach. But what are the reasons more women are not coaching?
Let's dive into some reasons. And then, I want to hear yours. This isn’t me giving all the answers, and this is definitely NOT all the reasons, there are so many. This is me starting the conversation. One where we aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. So after you read the next section, please, comment on why you think women aren’t becoming coaches. And be honest.
Why More Women Are Choosing Not to Coach Soccer
Despite increased efforts to promote gender equity in sports, there's a noticeable trend in youth and professional soccer: many women are opting not to pursue coaching roles. While soccer has seen growing female participation on the field, representation on the sidelines hasn't kept pace. So why are more women stepping away from coaching—or never stepping in at all?
1. Systemic Barriers and Lack of Representation
One of the most cited reasons is the persistent lack of representation at higher levels. When women don’t see others like themselves in leadership roles, coaching can seem less accessible or even unwelcome. The underrepresentation of women in coaching creates a cycle where young female athletes rarely have female coaches to look up to, which impacts their own interest in returning to the sport in that capacity.
2. Work-Life Balance and Family Responsibilities
Coaching—especially at competitive levels—demands irregular hours, travel, and significant time commitments. For women, who often shoulder a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, these demands can be a deterrent. Many report feeling forced to choose between family and coaching, particularly in environments that lack flexibility or support.
3. Hostile or Unwelcoming Environments
Gender bias, sexism, and even harassment remain issues in many coaching environments. Some women report feeling marginalized, scrutinized more heavily than their male counterparts, or excluded from the "old boys’ club" networks that dominate many coaching circles. This can lead to burnout, frustration, and eventual withdrawal from coaching roles.
4. Lack of Institutional Support and Opportunities
From grassroots to elite levels, women often face limited access to mentorship, funding, or advancement opportunities. Training and certification programs may not actively recruit women or may fail to address the unique challenges they face. Without clear pathways or encouragement, many talented former players simply don't see coaching as a viable career.
5. Pay Gaps and Professional Stability
The gender pay gap affects coaching as well. In many cases, women coaches are paid less than men for the same roles or are more likely to be offered volunteer or part-time positions rather than full-time roles with benefits. The lack of financial stability makes coaching less appealing, especially for those trying to build a sustainable career.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Reversing this trend means more than just recruiting women into coaching—it requires transforming the culture of the sport itself. This includes:
Building mentorship pipelines for female players and aspiring coaches
Ensuring equitable pay and job security
Creating flexible, family-friendly policies
Actively addressing sexism and discrimination within organizations
When women are supported, valued, and visible in coaching roles, everyone benefits—players gain diverse role models, organizations benefit from new perspectives, and the sport grows stronger.