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A career in football, at least playing it, can be a finite one. Just like our parents told us to think of a back up major because creative writing doesn’t pay the bills, football players usually end their playing careers around 35 if they’re lucky and then have to seek out something else to do. Some of them turn to punditry like Jamie Carragher, but many turn to coaching in the future (see the Rangers manager). Players in the Women’s game are no different, and two Liverpool players have already started on the path towards coaching in the future.
Recently signed fullback Becky Jane has joined Christie Murray in taking up a coaching role with the club’s Regional Talent Center. Murray currently coaches the U14s and Jane will be linking up with Luke Butterworth to coach the U11s. Jane came to Liverpool after 7 years at Reading earlier this year, and had already begun her coaching journey under their own RTC.
Manager Vicky Jepson joined Jane in meeting with the U9, U10, U11, and U12 teams earlier this week before observing and taking part in the U11 training sessions. She spoke of her excitement ahead of the role to the club’s website.
“I’m really looking forward to coaching the girls, it’s something that I personally really enjoy and is a good focus outside of training for me,” said Jane.
“Hopefully I can help them learn to become better players and people, and can be someone they look up to.”
Jepson, of course, was named assistant manager last season before being promoted to manager in Neil Redfearn’s absence and is a role model in her own right. More female leaders in roles traditionally held by men is sorely needed, especially in sports, and with two of our current players looking to follow in her footsteps, can only be a good thing, but it will also pass on other good things to the young players.
“It’s always great to visit our RTC to see the good work our youth coaches are doing and more importantly to keep an eye on our youth players,” Jepson said.
“I’m delighted to now have Becky coach in our RTC as she will be an outstanding role model for our youth players and I’m sure she will certainly help to educate them on what it takes to become a professional player.”