Dingley appointed Girls’ Head of Academy | OneFootball

Manchester City are delighted to announce the appointment of Hannah Dingley as Girls’ Head of Academy.

Arriving with a wealth of experience spanning 25 years across various levels of the football pyramid, she will lead the management team in creating and executing the Academy’s performance plan and strategy.

Working closely with Director of Football Therese Sjogran and City’s head coach, Dingley will also establish a clear pathway for youth players into the senior team while implementing our philosophy and methodology across individual athletes and teams.

Recruitment is also a key area as Head of Academy, and she will lead the creation and implementation of a world-class talent identification programme to ensure the best and most exciting talent is discovered by the Club.

Dingley began coaching teams at the age of 17 before attending Loughborough University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Masters of Science in Coaching.

After gaining experience at Swansea City, she enjoyed coaching spells at Notts County, Lincoln Ladies and Burton Albion before being appointed academy manager at Forest Green Rovers.

This meant she became the first woman to take charge of a men’s academy team in England, and she created further history at Forest Green by becoming the first woman to take charge of a men’s senior English professional team when she was made caretaker manager in 2023.

Dingley’s most recent role saw her work for the Football Association of Ireland as Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football from May 2024, before making the switch to Manchester City.

Speaking about her appointment, Dingley said: "City is a leading force in women's football and I am really excited to be joining such an ambitious and progressive club.

"Everyone I've met at the Club has been amazing and so passionate about developing young talent. I can't wait to get started."

Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill said of Dingley’s appointment: “We’re delighted to have Hannah join the Club as our new Girls’ Head of Academy.

“She arrives at Manchester City with a wealth of experience across all levels of elite football and we see this as an exciting appointment in a hugely important role.

“Our Academy is the lifeblood of the Club, and the significance of a strong youth system was visible last season with players such as Gracie Prior, Lily Murphy and Codie Thomas stepping into the senior squad and continually impressing.

“We have a superb team working in the background to continue developing our exciting young talent and provide a pathway into the first team.

"Adding Hannah to that group is a massive step forward for us, and we’re looking forward to seeing what she’ll bring to the role.”

Everyone at Manchester City would like to welcome Hannah to the Club.