Emma Manning says she’s “buzzing” having been appointed the Town Academy’s first ever female coach, working with the Blues’ U9s squad.
"One of my long-term goals in my career was to be involved within the boys’ game at a professional club with their academy,” Manning told the Suffolk FA website.
"I have worked within the female elite pathway with what was the Colchester United Female Centre of Excellence and Essex FA Female CoE since 2010 and more recently first set foot in the boys’ game at a professional club with one of the developmental programmes in the Elite programme at Ipswich Town.
"The long-term goal had always been in the back of my mind, but like with many goals how realistic and achievable that was, was debatable so I can't quite believe the opportunity has actual arisen. To say that I am ‘buzzing’ I think sums it up well.”
The 29-year-old, who is the Suffolk FA Ladies side’s manager, added: "I think it shows credit to Ipswich Town for putting faith in my ability alone and giving me the opportunity because without a number of people there giving me a chance I wouldn't be where I am now, so I am very thankful to them.
"I think it's a massive step forward in coaching and the game. I hope it shows that hard work pays off and anything is possible.”
Manning, who will work with the U9s three times a week in addition to their Sunday matches, has also started working for her UEFA A Licence.
Lee O’Neill, Town’s assistant academy manager, said: "Emma has been with us since Christmas and is very good with the players, parents and staff.
"She is a great fit for what we are looking for from a coach at U9 academy level. She has the ability to coach older players and I am sure over the next few years she will be given that opportunity within the academy.”
Photo: Suffolk FA