Capital Football are excited to announce the appointment of Natalie Lawrence as the 2019 Capital Football National Women’s League Head Coach. Lawrence brings both regional experience, as a National Youth League Head Coach, and international experience, as Canada’s Vancouver White Caps Girls Academy Head Coach, as well as the coveted A licence qualification to the programme and is regarded as one of the most promising coaches in the country.

Continuing the homecoming feel for Lawrence since re-joining the Capital Football ranks in 2018 as Assistant Federation Development Manager, it has been five years since she played a role within the National Women’s League and is already eager to get back into the competition.  

“It really is a fantastic opportunity for me. I’m very excited to work with current Football Ferns and inspiring Ferns, and I’m looking forward to continuing the good work and solid foundations already set up here in the region” Lawrence stated.

“To come back and be part of the league after 5 years away is something pretty special. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to football in New Zealand and get involved in a region and programme that shows so much promise.”

Capital Football Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe, was openly excited with the opportunity the appointment presents.

“It was always going to be a challenge filling the gap Emma Evans left but Natalie has proven her abilities as a coach in many facets of football, not just here in New Zealand, but overseas as well.”

“Her wealth of knowledge, highlighted with her A Licence qualification, and ability to bring a group of players together and perform, is something we are extremely excited to have here at Capital Football.”

“We’re looking forward to what the season will bring with Natalie leading from the front. We know the respect and buy in she receives from her players is going to be a massive positive for the programme here.”

Having recently finished a successful year as Head Coach of Team Wellington Youth in the National Youth League, Lawrence saw only exciting challenges and opportunities with the switch in competition.

“Moving from Youth to Senior football is always a challenge, but the opportunities in the Women’s game with the developments over the last few years is outstanding.”

“Teams are set up better than they have ever been before with the progression of not just the coaching qualifications required but the league developments as well. The double round sees more time with your players and more time to input your model. “

Football Fern and 2018 Capital Football captain, Sarah Gregorius, was also delighted with the introduction of Lawrence’s quality to the programme.

“I’m absolutely stoked.”

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for players involved to get top level coaching for a sustained period of time.”

The last time Lawrence was at the helm of the Capital Football team, she took them through to the semi-finals, a feat she will no doubt be looking to eclipse in the coming season.

“We’ll be out there to compete with the top teams in the league, and I absolutely think we can do so.”

The 2019 National Women’s League kicks off in September. Lawrence has yet to finalise her coaching staff but said she will be looking to confirm her supporting cast for the campaign alongside the trial process for the campaign shortly.

For more information please contact Capital Football Federation Development Manager, Steeve Sharpe, at steeve@capitalfootball.org.nz.

Article added: Wednesday 24 July 2019