Throughout International Women’s Month, we’re highlighting the amazing work our staff do within the Community department at Arsenal. Today we hear from coach Maisie Hayden, who speaks about her role at Arsenal, what she loves about her job and coaching abroad.
What is your job and what does it entail?
I’m a coach for Arsenal in the Community team. My role is coaching sessions with our disability participants, and I also coach on the Arsenal Development Project that takes place abroad.
What do you love most about your job?
The highlight of my coaching role within disability is working with our incredible Down Syndrome group, North London United. Every week the kids we teach are an absolute joy to work with, and their enthusiasm is infectious. This session is definitely the highlight of my week, and we’ve created some amazing memories together, including visits from first-team players and trips to Emirates Stadium to watch games.
I’ve also really enjoyed being involved with our development programme, which takes place abroad each summer. Last year I had the opportunity to coach in Texas for a month, and this summer I’m excited to be heading back to America, this time to coach in California.
Tell us a bit about your journey to your current role…
I began my journey with Arsenal at the age of 16 when I enrolled in the NCFE programme to pursue a Diploma in Sports Science. After completing two years of study I was fortunate to earn a scholarship here, which allowed me to spend an additional year coaching abroad in South Africa. That was an amazing experience, and when I got back I started coaching for Arsenal in the Community, where I’ve dedicated the past seven years to making a positive impact through sports.
I’ve had a deep love for sport, especially football, ever since I was very young. I dreamed of a career in sport but never imagined that I would one day work for the club I adored since childhood.
What do you want to achieve in five years’ time?
I definitely want to still be working with the disability team while also coaching abroad. I’m deeply passionate about both projects, and my goal is to merge them, allowing me to coach disability football across different parts of the globe.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”. What does this mean to you?
It’s crucial for women to recognise that there are always other women within football who they can go to for support. The development and growth of women’s football provide immense opportunities for the next generation of young girls interested in the sport.
Why is International Women’s Month important to you?
It’s significant for me and many other young girls because it’s dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements of women. Personally, it’s important for me because it allows me to showcase the work I do within football. Oh, and International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart because it falls on my birthday, March 8, which makes it a double celebration.
Who has inspired you?
My mum has always been a big role model for me, always supporting me in everything I do. Another role model, especially from Arsenal, is Leah Williamson. Since I started here Leah has participated in several sessions that I’ve coached. Every time she visits you can see the positive impact she leaves on our students. Over the years she has evolved to become an even greater role model for so many children.
What’s your favourite sporting memory?
When England won the Euros and brought the trophy home. That moment definitely inspired so many young girls to get involved with football, for sure.
How amazing is it to see Arsenal Women sell out the Emirates Stadium in back to back games?
It’s incredible to see the attendance that the women’s matches get each game. It really shows how great the women’s game is becoming and how much it’s developing throughout the years.
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