A Completely Different Game

About the Author

Emma Hayes is the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. She was the long-time head coach for Chelsea FC, one of the most successful women’s teams in Europe. She led Chelsea FC to two domestic league and cup doubles, and one trophy treble since taking over the team in 2012. Born in London, Hayes previously coached in the United States with the Long Island Lady Riders and Iona College. In 2006, Hayes served as assistant first team coach at Arsenal Ladies where they achieved huge success, winning 11 major trophies over three-seasons. She then joined the Chicago Red Stars in the inaugural year of the Women’s Professional Soccer league in 2008, and also served as technical director of the New York Flash in WPS. Hayes was appointed manager of Chelsea Ladies in June 2012 and three years later, successfully led them to the Women’s FA Cup for the first time. The team also went on to gain the Women’s Super League title to complete a historic and memorable double. In June 2016, Hayes was made an MBE in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours list. She was appointed OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours and named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach at The Best FIFA Awards in 2023.

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