Casey Stoney is ready to bring joy back to the field for the Canadian women’s soccer team, but first she plans to build trust.
“I think it’s really important to build that connection with them, start building trust in them as a coach and make sure you get to know them as people,” Stoney said in an interview with CBC Sports. “I’m here to do a job for Canada. I’m here to move this program forward.”
Following the drone spy scandal that broke out at the Paris Olympics and the subsequent firing of former head coach Bev Priestman, Stoney joins the role at a precarious time for the program.
Despite the circumstances, he is quick to acknowledge the players’ strength and says the team is in a “positive place.”
“I think what I saw from them last year was a very resilient group, very united and able to do something under really difficult circumstances,” Stoney said. “There is so much talent in the group of players that I am excited to be able to work with them and hopefully take them to the next level.”
SEE | Stoney details her plans for the Canadian women’s soccer program:
The former England captain details what inspired her to become the coach of the Canadian women’s national football team.
In a group call with the team before Monday’s announcement, Stoney says he emphasized his plans to build a strong team culture.
“The first thing I told them on the call was that I’m a player coach. ‘I’m here for you, I’m here to support you, I’m here to challenge you, I’m here to stretch you, I’m here to guide you. My leadership is about making you better.’ “he told the team.
While Stoney hasn’t had the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with team members yet, she says many women have reached out to her with “really positive reactions.”
Team Canada fullback and three-time Olympian Janine Beckie told CBC Sports that Stoney is a “perfect fit” for the position.
Beckie’s encouraging words were echoed by Desiree Scott, a three-time Olympic medalist and former Canadian national team player, who said Stoney will help the organization turn the page.
“She’s got a good resume behind her, a lot of playing experience as well. I think she just wants to keep growing the game, help us turn the page with a lot of things that have been happening recently. I think she’s really moving forward.” developing players in the program,” Scott said in an interview with CBC Sports.
Stoney called the votes of confidence he received “high praise.”
“These were incredible players, and now they’re obviously coaches as well, and some have great jobs in their coaching careers,” he said. “It’s an honor to move this team forward and we look forward to getting some of those players involved in the program and ensuring they continue to be a part of the fabric of the Canadian soccer landscape.”
In February, the Canadians will step into the Pinatar Cup under Stoney’s leadership for the first time.
Stoney says he plans to bring the love and joy back to the Canadian team environment. “Where they can be free, play and enjoy what they are there to do, which is win football games and perform.”
