We're celebrating women coaches this Girls and Women's Month

A strong belief that girls get more out of football in a girls only environment drove Amy Campbell of Tikipunga FC to coach a girl's team, become Tikipunga's girls and women co-ordinator and join the club committee, despite being years younger than most of her peers in these roles. 

"I started playing when I was 13 in the women's team, and because it was all girls, I just loved the environment. So I was like, why not bring it to the younger adults, and then everyone has the same opportunity, you know?" said Amy. 

Amy was determined to get girls only football going and creating the kind of safe environment that would keep girls playing, as they're not put off by seeing boys excel and feeling like they're in the background. She believes it's better for girls to develop friendships and relationships and actually get the chance to be in the spotlight when playing. 

"We decided let's start an all girls team and get the girls away from the boys to have their own space, fun and freedom!"

"I've been coaching about five years now, starting off when I was 16 or 17. I think I'm the only female coach in our club, out of about 15 junior teams. I'd love to see more women encouraged into coaching, because often we get asked to be manager instead. It's so rewarding and amazing seeing the girls grow and building those relationships. You've just got stand up for yourself, take charge and say you want to do it!"

Coaching teams as a young woman was challenging at times, and meant developing relationships and strategies to handle difficult supporters and stay focused on what was most important. 

"Just the relationships with some parents could be a struggle to overcome, especially some that thought they knew better than you, or you don't know what you're doing because you're young and female. That made things really hard, but thankfully I had amazing managers, who were often women, who helped me a lot.

"I always made it that my manager was the main one to be in contact with parents, I still talked to parents, but I wanted them to understood I was the coach, I was there for their children, not them." 

Amy grew up around Tikipunga, through her mother's involvement over many years. Convinced the club needed more female involvement at that level, Amy put her hand up for the committee, certain the club would be better for more women voices and leaders. 

"I wanted to grow the women's and girls programme, and I guess women just have a different perspective on things sometimes - it makes it better when there's more of us, we can stand together and get our voice across." 

"Not everyone has the time and ability to join in the bigger roles in the club, but it is worth it to have your voice listened to, and see the results," said Amy. 

Article added: Friday 14 March 2025