We are delighted to announced that Karen Bridgewater has won our Coach of the Year (Female Pathway) as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.

This Award seeks to recognise to a coach in the female game who is inclusive, encouraging and inspiring when it matters most.

As a coach, Karen has been fantastic at developing herself via the FA Mentoring programme.

At Steyning Town Community FC she has been supporting and developing the girls’ pathway, with new girls attending every week. 

This is also thanks to Karen starting a new Under-10s girls’ team and supporting the new volunteers, whilst simultaneously running the Under-12s girls’ team.

Karen is currently undertaking her UEFA C badge and has worked hard in self-development to improve her knowledge and help develop her players.

With Steyning having a number of girls from Ukraine and South America, with English as a second language, Karen continues to shine with her inclusive approach and attitude to grow the female opportunities in the area.

Karen also runs her sons Under-8s boys’ team at Horsham Herons - doing so as her son couldn’t make the other Under-8s team within the club, and Karen, not wanting the boys and girls to miss out, started a second Under-8s team within the club with a developmental, inclusive and Football For All mindset.

She has helped start and grow opportunities for many girls in her club, giving up many hours in planning, delivering high quality sessions.

Karen’s friendly and inclusive nature shines through, along with her high standards in coaching, and drive for personal development.

To find out more about the England Football Grassroots Awards please contact:

Awards
E: Awards@SussexFA.com