Hannah Dingley: Forest Green appoint first woman to run men's English football academy
Last updated on .From the section Forest Green
Hannah Dingley has become the first woman to manage a club academy in English men's football after being appointed by Forest Green Rovers.
Dingley, 35, holds a Uefa Pro Licence and joins the League Two club from Burton Albion where she was academy head of coaching.
She will work closely with boss Mark Cooper to develop first-team players and lead on creating a women's academy.
"I'm really excited. It's the perfect blank canvas," Dingley said.
"We have a first-team manager who really wants young players in his squad and plays the game with a distinctive style.
"We have some great talent in the academy and my focus will be on doing everything we can do give them the best chance at first-team football."
Dingley has also coached at Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Lincoln City.
Chairman Dale Vince said: "Hannah is a great addition. She has the experience, passion and skill to really drive our academy onward, giving our young players their best shot at first-team football.
"There's a good cultural fit too; we share an interest in innovation, in looking to improve and do things differently, and a fearless approach when it comes to breaking the mould. That's very FGR."
