Bev Priestman was appointed Head Coach of the Canada Soccer Women’s National Team through the next four years. Priestman takes charge of Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team starting Nov. 1 as Canada prepares for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 scheduled for summer of 2021.
Priestman replaces Kenneth Heiner-Møller, who left the position in the summer of 2020.
“It is an honour and privilege to return to Canada to lead such a talented group of players and a team with a fantastic history,” said Bev Priestman, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, via a Canada Soccer statement Wednesday. “With a great blend of experience and youth, I’m excited as to what we can achieve together over the next quadrennial. I would like to thank Canada Soccer for this fantastic opportunity.
“Our immediate focus is the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 next year and then subsequently building towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 where ultimately Canada should be on that podium. I look forward to connecting with the great group of staff and players ready to head into the Olympic year of 2021 focused and ready to give it our all.”
Former Canada Soccer women’s assistant coach
Priestman has previously served as an Assistant Coach with Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team, serving as a Technical Assistant at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, the 2016 Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, and the Rio 2016 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament where Canada captured a second consecutive bronze medal.
Priestman most recently served as England’s Women’s U-18 National Team Head Coach and was scheduled to lead England at the postponed FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2021. She previously served as England’s Women’s National Team Assistant Coach.
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She helped England finish fourth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, also helping Great Britain qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bev Priestman back to Canada Soccer as our Women’s National Team Head Coach,” said Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President, via a Canada Soccer statement Wednesday. “Bev’s contributions leading the Women’s National EXCEL Program and supporting the Women’s National Team as an Assistant Coach during her five-years with Canada Soccer set a solid foundation for success across all levels of the Women’s National Team Program and we are excited to have her bring her recent experience, vision and leadership to her new role.”
-with files courtesy Canada Soccer
