Lightning football Head Coach steps down for new role at the FA

issy martin

Loughborough Lightning Women’s Head Coach Issy Martin will step down from her current position to take on a new challenge with the FA.

Alumna Martin, who joined the University in a coaching capacity in 2019, has enjoyed a successful period in the role, continuing to drive forward Loughborough’s women’s football programme offer.

In her new position of FA Women’s National League Club Development Manager, Issy will support the development of clubs aligned to the new FA women’s national strategy that is underpinned by Premier League funding.

Alongside working with the FA, Issy will remain on the coaching staff at Loughborough Lightning.

“I have been a student here and progressed to the Head Coach, my involvement with women’s football at Loughborough has spanned 10 years,” Martin said.

“In this time, I’ve seen a huge progress in the women’s programme at Loughborough. I am incredibly proud of the foundations we have built and now a sustainable Lightning programme with opportunities for both students and players in the local community to play performance football in the FA Women’s National League North.

“I’d like to thank all the players and staff for their hard work and for making my time here really special. I look forward to staying on as a member of the coaching team.”

Rebecca Sawiuk, Director of Football at Loughborough University, added:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Issy on her new role, it’s a fantastic opportunity which she thoroughly deserves.

“During my time here, Issy has been a pleasure to work with and has been a much loved and valued member of team football. She has left a real Legacy of women’s football growth and excellence and long may that continue.

“We are now looking ahead to the recruitment of a new full-time Lightning Head Coach and that is a brilliant opportunity for the right candidate.”

For more information on football at Loughborough, visit its dedicated website here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/sports/football/