Rekindling a Passion: How Dan Hadley is Transforming Local Girls’ Football
At CMS, we take pride in the impact our people make beyond their professional roles. One inspiring example is our Technical Manager, Dan Hadley, whose dedication to local girls’ football has fostered inclusion, skill development, and community engagement over the past two years.
From Player to Coach: A Personal Journey
Football has always been a huge part of Dan’s life. He played from an early age, but two serious knee injuries at 21 cut his playing career short. For years, he struggled to stay connected to the sport — until his daughter joined a local football development centre.
“When my daughter started playing, it brought everything back. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed football until I saw her enjoying it. Stepping up to coach just felt right,” says Dan.
What began as casual volunteering quickly grew into leading two successful local girls’ U9 teams, creating structured opportunities for young players to develop and thrive.
Building Inclusive Opportunities
Dan’s mission was clear: football should be accessible to all girls, regardless of ability or experience. The impact was immediate:
- The original squad grew to 12 players with a waiting list.
- A second team was created within the same age group.
- Players were grouped by ability to ensure tailored development.
“We wanted it to be open to everyone. It was never about picking the strongest players — it was about helping every girl improve and enjoy the game.”
Reducing Barriers
Dan and his coaching partner worked to ensure cost was never a barrier. Local sponsorships helped fund:
- Match kits and training gear
- Winter coats
- Personalised water bottles at Christmas
- A team trip to the Women’s FA Cup Final
This support ensured all children could participate fully and feel valued and included.
Engaging the Community
The teams have achieved more than just wins on the pitch. Earlier this year, they competed in a charity tournament supporting a local cancer charity, raising funds and awareness.
“Winning the trophy was brilliant, but knowing they were helping raise money for a good cause meant even more. It showed them football can have a wider impact,” says Dan.
Investing in Coaching
To provide the best experience for the girls, Dan and his coaching partner secured funding from The Football Association to complete the UEFA C Coaching Diploma, which they passed in September 2025. Combined with safeguarding training, DBS clearance, and an Introduction to Football course, this investment has enhanced session quality, technical progression, and long-term player development.
“If we were going to do this properly, we wanted to give the girls the best coaching we could. Completing the UEFA C helped us structure sessions better and think long-term about their development.”
Making a Lasting Impact
Dan originally stepped forward to give something back to his community. Yet, he says he has gained just as much:
“I thought I’d be giving a little back by coaching, but honestly I’ve gained the most from it. It’s helped me fall back in love with football and watching the girls grow in confidence every week makes it all worthwhile.”
Thanks to Dan’s commitment, Abbey Rangers FC now boasts:
- Two established U9 girls’ teams
- 12+ active players with a waiting list
- Structured development pathways
- UEFA C qualified, FA-funded coaches
- Fully sponsor-funded kits with no exclusion due to cost
- Charity fundraising successes and community engagement
At CMS, we celebrate colleagues like Dan, whose passion, dedication, and leadership make a real difference both at work and in the wider community.
