Ontario Soccer proudly joins Canada Soccer in celebrating the appointment of Casey Stoney as Head Coach of Canada Soccer's Women’s National Team (CANWNT). A trailblazer in women’s football, Stoney brings an impressive track record of coaching success at the highest professional levels and a wealth of international experience as a former England captain and assistant coach.

Stoney’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Women’s National Team during a pivotal period of growth for soccer in Canada. Her appointment reflects Canada Soccer’s unwavering commitment to excellence and development in the women’s game, with a strategic focus on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and beyond. She will officially debut as head coach in February during a three-match series at the Pinatar Cup in Spain.

We are thrilled to welcome Casey Stoney as Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Casey’s proven leadership, strong values, and lifelong dedication to advancing women’s football make her the ideal candidate to guide our team into its next era of success.

-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 legacy in women’s football, and I am eager to work with this talented group of players. Together with the federation’s leadership, we aim to build on past successes and continue growing the sport on and off the field. I look forward to this journey and engaging with Canada’s passionate soccer community.

-Casey Stoney, CANWNT Head Coach

The selection process involved key contributions from several Women’s National Team alumnae, including Stephanie Labbé, Diana Matheson, Erin McLeod, and Melissa Tancredi. Canada Soccer’s President and Board Chair, Peter Augruso, and Sara McConaghy, leader of the Women’s Football Working Group, also played integral roles. The search was coordinated by Angus McNab, who previously assisted with the hiring of Men’s National Team Head Coach Jesse Marsch.

On behalf of the Board of Directors at Canada Soccer, I am delighted to welcome Casey Stoney. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this process and eagerly anticipate this exciting new chapter for Canadian women’s soccer.

-Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer

As a player, Stoney earned 130 caps for England and represented her country in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three UEFA Women’s European Championships. She captained Team Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics and was twice named to the PFA Women’s Team of the Year. Her contributions to the sport earned her an MBE, awarded during England’s campaign at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Transitioning to coaching, Stoney first served as player-manager for Chelsea in 2009. Following her retirement in 2018, she became an assistant coach for the England Women’s National Team under Phil Neville. Later, she was appointed the inaugural head coach of Manchester United Women, leading the team to the FA Championship title in their debut season and establishing them as a competitive force in the Women’s Super League. Stoney also completed her UEFA Pro License during her time with the club.

In 2021, Stoney was named the first head coach of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). In 2022, she guided Wave FC to a third-place finish in the league and a playoff semi-final appearance, earning NWSL Coach of the Year honours. She also coached Canadian standout Kailen Sheridan to NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year that season. In 2023, Stoney led Wave FC to win the NWSL Shield and continued their strong performance with a Challenge Cup victory in 2024.

Supporting Women in Elite Coaching

Stoney’s appointment is supported by philanthropic contributions to Canada Soccer and marks the first use of a new fund dedicated to advancing women in elite coaching. This initiative provides financial support for family-friendly accommodations and career development opportunities, addressing barriers unique to women in the profession. As a vocal advocate for raising standards in women’s soccer, Stoney’s leadership will further elevate coaching across Canada.

Ontario Soccer extends its congratulations to Casey Stoney and looks forward to witnessing her impact on Canadian soccer at all levels.