Empowering the Next Generation: Amy Shepherd Leads the Charge for Women in Football Coaching

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND —
Amy Shepherd, newly appointed Assistant Coach of the Wellington Phoenix Women for the 2024–25 A-League season, is not only making her mark on the sidelines—she’s shaping the future of the women’s game from the grassroots up.

Shepherd recently facilitated an all-female OFC/NZF C Licence coaching course in the Capital region, reaffirming her commitment to empowering wāhine within the football community. The course, designed to provide tactical frameworks and coaching methodologies, offered something even more powerful: a space for women to thrive without the shadow of male-dominated environments.

“It creates a sense of belonging,” Shepherd said. “It’s a safe space where women can truly grow and learn as coaches. Creating that environment for people to feel that they can not only give feedback but also take it has been really important.”

That safe space has already proven transformative for many participants.

Renae Hemopo, a candidate in the course, shared the importance of such spaces:

“It’s really important to have a safe space for wāhine to feel included in a heavily male-dominated industry. It allows us to be vulnerable, open-minded, and supported by others who understand our challenges.”

For fellow participant Sheree Smith, the course did more than teach—it inspired.

“We often, as females, feel less empowered in the football scene. But this course helped me talk through those disadvantages. Now, I feel empowered and supported by an amazing group of ladies.”

Shepherd, who has long advocated for greater female representation in the sport, sees coaching not just as a role, but a purpose.

“It’s the beautiful game for a reason,” she smiled. “Stay in it, enjoy every second, and see where it can take you. It’s taken me on an incredible journey, and hopefully, it’ll take them on one too.”

As the 2024–25 A-League Women’s season approaches, Shepherd’s impact will be felt far beyond the touchlines of Wellington. Through education, mentorship, and a passion for inclusivity, she’s nurturing the next generation of female football leaders—one coaching badge at a time.