Casey Stoney Appointed as Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team

Canada Soccer is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Stoney as Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team (CANWNT). Stoney, a renowned leader in women’s football, brings a proven track record of success as a head coach at the highest levels of the professional game along with a wealth of international experience as the former England captain and assistant coach.

Stoney will lead the Women’s National Team into a new era at a critical period of growth for soccer in Canada. Her appointment signals Canada Soccer’s continued commitment to excellence and development in the women’s game, with an eye toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and beyond. Stoney will begin her tenure with a three-match series in February at the Pinatar Cup in Spain.

“We are thrilled to welcome Casey Stoney as Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Casey’s track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women’s football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter.” 

— Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer

“I am honoured to join Canada Soccer as the Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Canada has a proud tradition in women’s football, and I am excited to work with such a talented group of players. Together with the federation’s new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field. I look forward to the journey ahead and to engaging with the incredible passion of Canadian soccer fans.” 

— Casey Stoney, new Women’s National Team Head Coach

Several alumnae of the Women’s National Team played a critical advisory role in the hiring process, including Stephanie Labbé, Diana Matheson, Erin McLeod, and Melissa Tancredi. President and Board Chair, Peter Augruso, along with the leader of Canada Soccer’s Women’s Football Working Group, Sara McConaghy, were also closely involved. The search was coordinated by Angus McNab, who also provided search consulting services to Canada Soccer during the Men’s National Team hire of Jesse Marsch.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors at Canada Soccer, I am pleased to welcome Casey Stoney to our organization. Thank you to Kevin Blue and members of our Women’s National Team alumnae who were involved in this process. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Canadian women’s soccer. 

— Peter Augruso, Canada Soccer President and Board Chair

As a stalwart defender for the Lionesses, Stoney earned 130 caps and represented England at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three UEFA Women’s European Championships. She also captained Team Great Britain during the London 2012 Olympic Games and was twice named in the Professional Football Association (PFA)’s Women’s Team of the Year. Her distinguished leadership on and off the pitch earned her an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) – an honour that was announced while Stoney was part of the England squad competing at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Transitioning to coaching, Stoney made her debut at Chelsea in 2009 while still an active player, serving in the role of player-manager. Immediately following her retirement in 2018, Stoney joined the staff of the England Women’s National Team as an assistant under Phil Neville before being hired as the inaugural head coach of Manchester United Women. Stoney led Manchester United to the FA Championship title in their debut season, earning promotion and establishing them as a competitive force in the Women’s Super League. Stoney also completed her UEFA Pro License while at Manchester United. 

In 2021, Stoney was named the first head coach of the expansion San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). In its debut season, in 2022, Wave FC finished third in the NWSL table and reached the playoff semi-finals before losing to the eventual champion Portland Thorns. Stoney earned 2022 NWSL Coach of the Year honours, while in the same year coaching Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team standout Kailen Sheridan to NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. In 2023, Stoney cemented Wave FC as a top performing club in the league in only its second year as a franchise, as they finished first in the NWSL table and captured the NWSL Shield. Stoney also coached Wave FC to a NWSL Challenge Cup victory to begin the 2024 season. 

Stoney’s appointment is supported by philanthropic contributions to Canada Soccer, and she is the first beneficiary of a new fund established specifically to support women in elite coaching. This initiative provides financial support earmarked for family-friendly accommodations and career-development opportunities to help women in elite coaching mitigate some of the unique barriers encountered. It will increase in scope as Canada Soccer continues to accelerate its emphasis on philanthropy. Stoney has been a leading figure and one of many champions who have driven an increase in standards for women’s soccer over the last two decades, and her leadership of Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will help to further elevate women’s coaching across our country.