Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s lead female football coach admits success in a male dominant sport has not been easy.

On UK Coaching week, Amber Lloyd reveals that a lot of her success is down to self belief.

The 24-year-old, who is also an avid Brentford fan, plays an important role in inspiring hundreds of girls to play football at Brentford’s CST, but admits the pathway in getting there was far from easy.

“I almost had to prove myself to parents and players that I could coach because I was female,” she said.

“But I love what I do, I stuck with it and put in the extra work just to ensure I wouldn’t make mistakes that could be picked up on.

“I feel lucky to be inspiring the younger generation to play sports, have fun and keep fit.

“Growing up, I was not given the opportunities that a lot of young females footballers are given now.

“I hope to be a massive influence on these young footballers and become a positive role model for them.”

Wandsworth Times:

“I hope to be a massive influence on these young footballers and become a positive role model for them.”

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Lloyd started playing football at the age on ten and went on to volunteer at The Trust at 15.

After gaining her Level 1 FA coaching qualifications she was enrolled on to the Trust's Fearless apprenticeship programme in 2013.

The scheme saw three young people benefit from tailored training and football qualifications, and Lloyd was one who benefitted from the programme.

Lloyd now oversees the Trust’s Premier League girls’ programme and the FA Wildcats programme, which aims to double female participation in football by 2020.

For Lloyd, football dominates every aspect of her life, and she doesn't intend to stop progressing any time soon with a UEFA B coaching license next on her agenda.

“At the moment my life is massively influenced by football: my job Monday-Saturday is coaching, watching Brentford on a Saturday and playing for Maidenhead Ladies on a Sunday.

“I hope to gain more knowledge and experience of the game, which I can then pass on to the next generation of budding female footballers.”

Lloyd's rise to prominence on the coaching circuit hasn't gone unnoticed by the Trust's CEO, Lee Doyle, who believes Lloyd and Brentford can achieve their goals of expanding Women's football.

“Amber epitomises everything we’re trying to achieve in female football: she is passionate, fearless and committed to her job as a football coach and role model.

“With Brentford’s new stadium been chosen as a proposed venue for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 tournament, Brentford FC and its Trust are working closely to encourage more girls to play and watch football. We need more coaches like Amber to help achieve that!”