Beverly Priestman

Beverly Priestman, born on April 29, 1986, in Consett, England, developed an early passion for football, with Ryan Giggs and Manchester United FC being among her favorites. She pursued higher education at Liverpool John Moores University, earning a BSc (Hons) in Science and Football. Priestman further advanced her coaching qualifications by obtaining her UEFA A Diploma in 2016 and her UEFA Pro Diploma in 2021. Her coaching career officially began with Everton Football Club as a Support Coach before moving to New Zealand Football from January 2009 to June 2013, where she held roles including Women’s Development Manager and Head of Football Development. During her time in New Zealand, she also served as an assistant coach for the New Zealand U-17 team at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and as a support coach at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany in 2011.

From July 2013 to June 2018, Priestman worked for Canada Soccer, serving as the Women’s EXCEL Director for U-15 to U-23 teams and as an Assistant Coach with Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team under John Herdman. During this period, she contributed to Canada’s sixth-place finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, a silver medal at the 2016 Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, and a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. She then joined England’s Football Association from June 2018 to October 2020 as a Women’s National Team Assistant Coach under Phil Neville, helping England achieve fourth place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. She also briefly served as England’s Women’s U-18 National Team Coach in 2020. Her return to Canada Soccer as the Women’s National Team Head Coach on November 1, 2020, marked a significant turning point, culminating in a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympic Games. Priestman held a manager’s record of 30 wins, 15 draws, and 11 losses as Canada’s Head Coach ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In January 2024, Priestman signed a new long-term contract with CANWNT, demonstrating her continued commitment to Canadian women’s soccer. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her instrumental role in shaping player development programs and her leadership. Her work as a Coach Mentor in the 2022 FIFA Coach Mentorship Program further highlights her dedication to nurturing new talent in the sport. Christine Sinclair described Priestman’s approach with one word: “energy,” noting her vibrant and dedicated presence. Following a one-year suspension from football-related activities in 2024, Priestman signed a two-season contract to become the head coach of the Wellington Phoenix women’s team, effective July 30, 2025, marking her return to club football.