The Coaching Chain award winners are: Ray Smith, Doug Thoburn, Anson Dorrance, Chris Welburn, Michael Mulhern, Maureen ‘Mo’ Marley, Matt Beard, Phil Neville and Sarina Wiegman.
One of the best and most influential full backs in women’s football, Lucy Bronze, has had 10 years of consistent, impactful performances, cementing herself as a household name. She was a key member of England’s European Championship success, a first major trophy since 1966, and inspired countless young girls across the country to play football. Bronze now has 114 senior caps for her country and established herself in European football.
Although Bronze has competed for teams in Sunderland, Merseyside, Manchester, Lyon, and Barcelona, it was in Alnwick where her story commenced, and it is there that her first coach, Ray Smith, made his mark. Bronze played with Alnwick Town junior team until she was 12, whilst also captaining her school football team at Duchess Community High School.
Lucy's introduction to playing for an all-girls team came at Blyth Town, where she crossed paths with coach Doug Thoburn. Doug quickly recognised Lucy's potential and, right from the start of their coaching journey together, confidently declared, "She’ll play for England.” Recognising her formidable qualities of power, strength, and fearlessness, Doug, through his coaching, consistently nurtured and enhanced those attributes.
Bronze chose North Carolina to balance education and her passion for football. She won a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to be coached by Anson Dorrance. Referred to by Lucy as “one of the biggest influences” in her career, Dorrance’s innovative training methods were key to her development as a player. Impressed by her natural talent and physical prowess at soccer camps, Dorrance's support fuelled Bronze's success in America.
After a year in North Carolina, Lucy returned to the UK, transferring to Leeds Beckett University to continue her sports science degree. Under the guidance of Head Football Coach, Chris Welburn, Lucy represented the university in numerous BUCS competitions and helped the team win national trophies. Welburn provided Lucy with the environment she needed to develop as a player and a person and was always impressed with her drive and determination to succeed.
When Bronze returned to play for Sunderland, her introduction to Mick Mulhern saw them team up to lead Sunderland Ladies’ rise to the Women’s Super League. Mulhern recognised immediately Bronze’s unique talent, playing her as a midfielder to help her influence the game more directly.
In 2010, Maureen 'Mo' Marley, Bronze's former England youth coach, extended an Everton squad spot. Despite recovering from an injury, Marley's unwavering support in Merseyside aided Bronze's comeback, fostering the physical and mental resilience crucial for her ascent to elite levels.
In 2012, Bronze switched from blue to red, joining local rivals Liverpool under coach Matt Beard. Under Beard's guidance, Liverpool became England's first full-time women's club in 2013, attracting top-tier players like Bronze. Starting every game in 2014, she won the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year.
Bronze made her debut for the England senior team on 26 June 2013. In 2018 she linked up with Phil Neville. Neville made Bronze captain for the opening match of the 2018 SheBelieves Cup, where she would go on to captain the England team again several times. Constantly pushing Bronze to show her quality, Neville likened her adaptability to that of German legend Philip Lahm.
In 2021, Lucy Bronze crossed paths with the renowned Sarina Wiegman. Under Wiegman's guidance, Bronze's impact on the team was undeniable, particularly in her role as a standout right-back during their triumphant 2022 European Championships campaign. Thanks to Wiegman's mentorship, Bronze's career soared to new heights, and England came tantalisingly close to achieving the coveted treble, culminating in their journey to the World Cup Final this past summer.