Women in Coaching Month: From Player to CoachFriday, June 7, 2024 - 9:05 AM

June is Women in Coaching Month, a time to celebrate and highlight the contributions women make across football coaching. 

This initiative underscores the importance of female mentorship and leadership in sports, encouraging more women to step into coaching roles and paving the way for future generations.

Tiffany Ferguson-Blight’s story is a testament to the transformative power of women in coaching.

An injury in 2019 saw Tiffany Ferguson-Blight transition to coaching sooner than expected.

Starting her WAFLW career in 2017 with Swan Districts Reserves, Ferguson-Blight won a premiership in her rookie year. She debuted for the Swans the following year, but after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her hip and needing surgery, her player career was over at the end of 2019.

But as one door closed, another opened. Ferguson-Blight accepted the inaugural Women’s Head Coach position at Kalamunda Districts Football Club, where she discovered a newfound passion.

“My passion lies in coaching the next generation of women,” Ferguson-Blight said.

“I am passionate about the sport and the impact it has on young women, and I enjoy seeing players take pride and ownership over their journey and improvement.”

In 2021 Ferguson-Blight returned to Swan Districts as a backs coach to the Women’s side before transitioning to Senior Assistant in 2022 where she remained until the end of the 2023 season.

Last year Ferguson-Blight joined the U18s Girls program sharing her leadership skills amongst the playing group.

But it’s the inclusive environment that football offers, which has this mum of two   excited about the future of women in coaching.

“The support for mums is incredible, and who wouldn't want to build a second family for their kids,” she said.

“My first daughter, Olympia, has been at trainings in a full rain suit, strapped to my chest in the rain while I coached. 

“She loved it! It's such a fun, exciting time for them and they love being out and about.

“My girls will always have a whole team of role models and I'm so proud to provide that, while selfishly taking so much reward from the role myself.

“It's daunting taking that first leap into such a male world, but it's worth the anxiety and it gets easier.

As we celebrate Women in Coaching Month, Ferguson-Blight’s journey from player to coach illustrates the resilience and passion that drives women to not only participate in sports but to lead and inspire others.

More information on Women in Coaching Month and how to get involved can be found here.