Ex-Wexford boss Lizzy Kent appointed FAI's new Head of Women and Girls’ Football

New FAI Head of Women and Girls'Football Lizzy Kent. Pic: Saulius Cirba/Sportsfile

Lizzy Kent has been appointed as the FAI's new Head of Women and Girls’ Football, replacing Hannah Dingley who left the role to join the Manchester City academy in the summer.

The UEFA A Licence coach, who holds a Master's degree in Business, has been working as part of the senior management team at SETU Novus in Waterford and will start with the FAI in January 2026.

Kent served as assistant coach with Wexford during the club’s first three seasons in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division before spending a further three seasons as head coach of the club's under-17s in the LOI WU17 Academy. 

She also acted as interim manager of senior team and played a key role in the strategic direction and long-term development of the south-east club.

At international level, Kent was assistant coach with the Ireland Women’s under-19s for four years and helped the team to qualify for the 2024 UEFA European WU19 Championships in Lithuania.

Kent also has extensive experience across other sports, including four-and-a-half years leading the Wexford Ladies footballers, where they won a Leinster Intermediate title.

In the role of Head of Women & Girls’ Football, Kent will work directly with Director of Football John Martin and manage five different Women & Girls’ Leads, who are currently being recruited.

Supporting the development of women & girls’ football around the country, Kent will oversee the continued roll-out of the Women and Girls’ Action Plan as part of the Football Pathways Plan and help to ensure that the necessary advancements are implemented to best serve Irish football.

Speaking about her confirmation to the role, Kent said: “I’m delighted to join the FAI as Head of Women and Girls’ Football. I have been involved in women’s sport all my life and have always endeavoured to be a strong advocate for women and girls’ sport.

“I’m really looking forward to building on the work that has already been done and working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the game from grassroots football to the League of Ireland, and across the international pathway. I’m excited to engage with clubs, leagues and affiliates nationwide as we continue to grow and strengthen the women and girls’ game at every level.” 

Martin added: “We are thrilled to have Lizzy take over as the new Head of Women & Girls’ Football in what is a really exciting time for the development of the game at all levels.

“Lizzy brings the type of experience and enthusiasm that will ensure she has a positive impact from the very beginning and that, in turn, will hopefully help us to elevate standards and expectations of women and girls' football around the country."