Edie Coates has been honoured after deciding to step down from coaching with Hartlepool United Women after almost a decade dedicated to grassroots football.
The Club stalwart has spent the last nine years helping to develop female talent and, although she will no longer be coaching, Edie will remain as a Welfare Officer and a member of the Committee.
Having begun coaching in 2010, Edie was part of the original Hartlepool United Women’s team project before that was disbanded and the remaining players became Seaton H FC, playing in FA Women’s League 1.
After two years in charge, Edie moved over to her Welfare Officer role, combining that with the duties of Club Secretary before going on to form and manage Reserve and Development Teams.
More recently, she has been heavily involved in the introduction of the ‘Minis’ – a new group set-up to give girls as young as three the chance to enjoy football and get access to coaching.
“Edie’s ability to recruit the right managers and players has been fundamental to the success of the Club,” explained Chairman Andy Stuart.
“The First Team is now in the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid and features the likes of Caitlin Bates, Hannah Lambert and Rebecca Smith who were all brought in by Edie.
“Everyone at the Club would like to thank Edie and express their gratitude for all her commitment and effort towards ensuring that both women and girls in Hartlepool and the surrounding areas had the opportunity to participate in football.”
Reserve Team players Demi McKenna and Emily Hogg made a special presentation to Edie in recognition of her lasting impact on Hartlepool United Women during their Award Night last month.