Brighton interim manager Amy Merricks has ambitions to “change the perception of females in a male-dominated sport” as she embarks on a coaching career in the Women’s Super League.
Merricks is currently the youngest-serving manager in the WSL and is undergoing her second spell as Brighton interim boss this season.
The 29-year-old, who developed under the mentorship of former England manager Hope Powell, wants to be a senior head coach one day – but also hopes to have a wider impact on the game.
Merricks, who says she is passionate about changing attitudes towards women’s football, told BBC Sport: “I want to have a really positive influence on the game.
“I want to do that through developing female coaches. I want to play my part by opening doors for them. I want to develop players individually so we can showcase the game in a better light.
“I’m striving to be better every day so the female game can be better. The women’s game is moving so quickly now so I think the more passionate – specifically about the women’s game, not just football – people we can get involved in it, the better.”
In November, the Football Association stated an aim for 75% of female coaches to be in manager or head coach roles.
Only five in 12 bosses in the WSL are currently women after Merricks took over following the departure of Jens Scheuer.
“The reality is it’s very challenging for female coaches to get opportunities in the game,” said Merricks.
“It starts at the top and at the bottom. We have to have boards with female representation. [Brighton] have Zoe Johnson with us as a managing director. That’s huge.
“Across every club, we should have more female representation. We need to continue to knock down that barrier. There’s so much more work that needs to be done.”