As the player education manager for England’s technical division, Caitlin Hawkins helps all of our Young Lions and Lionesses when they’re on the road and away from school.
After joining The FA two years ago from Liverpool FC, where she was lead link tutor with Rainhill High School and spending ten years as a PE teacher before that, Hawkins has a strong background in elite level player education.
And with a growing team of staff, she explains how there has been an important shift in attitudes towards studies and qualifications within the England development set-up…
“People have a preconceived stereotype of young elite footballers.
Since starting with The FA, I have found that our young players demonstrate determination, focus and a great level of organisation to complete their educational commitments.
Due to their training and football commitments in a normal week we find that our players mainly exceed the school expectations, outstripping their peers who are at school full time.
Long gone are the days when you would get away with doing the bare minimum and maintaining that attitude. It’s about finding that balance between their football and education and that’s where my role and the team of education officers who are attached to the squads comes in.