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

Photo: Action Images

hampstead_blue added 11:29 - Mar 1 The headline should read "Ipswich appoint a new coach" Gender, sexuality, race, toe nails, hair colour are not relevant. We should all be neutral.
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wark_on_water added 11:37 - Mar 1 Hampstead_blue - Don't you think the fact it's a historic move and these boundaries HAVE been broken is a fact worth celebrating and publicising - hence the headline!!!
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bedsitfc added 11:45 - Mar 1 Hampstead Do we always have to be politically correct??? Your right it don't matter what gender but it is historic. Welcome aboard Emma. I hope the lads don't take the pee too much but I am sure you know what sort of things they will be saying and doing but as you want this you will be ready for it.
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hampstead_blue added 12:05 - Mar 1 I wasn't being PC. Simply that we should employ the best person, regardless.
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Langdon_Blue added 12:23 - Mar 1 Bedsitfc - I don't think the 'lads' will take the pee too much, on the basis that she is coaching 8 year olds...
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Superfrans added 12:27 - Mar 1 bedsitfc - your comments are precisely why it is good that this is announced and that something is being made of it.
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ThatMuhrenCross added 12:31 - Mar 1 I find it absolutely shocking that in 2016, we still haven't seen the first female MANAGER at a football club. If Roy Keane is deemed worthy of managing a football club, I'll tell you now, there must be MILLIONS of women out there who could do just as good, if not better.
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Bloots added 12:49 - Mar 1 A bird?!!! What is the world coming to? Football is finished.
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Mark added 12:54 - Mar 1 I agree that it would be very interesting to see how a female manager would do, and why not someone like Emma in future? People may say she has not had playing experience in the men's game, but which man progressed from school coach to manager without having played himself? Jose Mourinho. He has the chance to learn off Sir Bobby of course, so got the right education.
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atty added 13:28 - Mar 1 Enlightened move, same approach at first team level would be nice! Build for the future, enlightened approach to more positive style of play, coached at all levels, with players to suit, including youngsters.
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Bluespeed225 added 13:38 - Mar 1 A lass int' dessin' room. Hope she scrubs kit after. Mick, Barnsley.
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cats_whiskers added 13:57 - Mar 1 Under 9's, - After 8's are a favourite chocolate Also If the players get injured she will be able to "Kiss it better" and get them back on the pitch without using a trainer
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carsey added 14:38 - Mar 1 So long as she teaches them to play with the ball on the ground really could't care less.
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JewellintheTown added 16:21 - Mar 1 @Hampstead blue - Disagree with you strongly. Toe nails are ALWAYS relevant.
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tractorgrl added 18:35 - Mar 1 Bloots, i'm telling your mum about that comment.
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