Like many, Cas Wright was first talked into coaching through necessity when a coach was needed but could not be found.
Wright’s journey into coaching started with her first official role as representative coach for the Central Coast representative team at the NSW Country Championships in 1998. But her first real taste of success was coaching the under-12s B Central Coast community team, made up of 12 boys and one girl, who went on to become the 2008 premiers.
Northern NSW Football is celebrating National Female Football Week this week, recognising the contribution of women and girls to the beautiful game across the region.
A born leader and dedicated to her craft, Wright has clocked up many achievements in her coaching career. The latest will see her go down in history as the first Female Coach Educator in NSW, an area where she has enjoyed great success.
Wright has been a pioneer in women’s coaching, with her steely determination providing her an impressive list of firsts along the way.
Wright became the first female Technical Director of a Northern NSW Premier Club when she took over at New Lambton FC in October 2019. And she will become the first female coach of a male NPL NNSW team when she takes charge of the Eagles’ men’s reserve grade side in the Hit Northern League One competition this season.
She has also undertaken commentary work for Bar TV on Northern NSW Football’s Herald Women’s Premier League and Football NSW’s WNPL competitions.
Wright’s advice to coaches, especially female coaches wanting to undertake coaching careers, is that while there are challenges the rewards are worth it.
Most coaches juggle professional careers outside of coaching and football, have families and still manage the extensive commitment required to undertake a professional coaching career, a challenge not lost on Wright.
“You need to love the sport and to love mentoring,” Wright said.
“You’re not just committing to the time it takes to undertake the license. You’re constantly learning from fellow coaches and of course the players you’re coaching.”
Northern NSW Football’s Head of Football Development Peter Haynes said Northern NSW Football was proud to have played a small part in Wright’s progression and hoped to see more female coaches follow in her footsteps.
“It is so important to have women in coaching, especially in a technical director role,” Haynes said.
“It shows other women and girls out there what you can achieve as a coach and proves that you can reach high levels.
“Cas is a real role model in the coaching space and someone that others can aspire to what she has achieved.”
Wright is far from finished developing her coaching career. The former Sydney United and Sydney Cosmos player is completing her Football Australia A-License, making her one of only a handful of women in the sport to achieve the accreditation.
“My ultimate aim in time is to achieve a Pro Licence as well as continue my coach facilitation and, maybe one day, coach at the highest level.”
