Northern Ireland’s Progress Excites Coach Tanya Oxtoby
Northern Ireland women’s coach, Tanya Oxtoby, is thrilled with the advancements her team has made as they gear up for a crucial Euro 2025 qualifying play-off against Croatia. Taking over from Kenny Shiels in early last year, Oxtoby has propelled Northern Ireland forward with the aspiration of securing a spot in next summer’s European Championships.
The team is set to travel to Croatia for the away leg of the play-off round on Friday, followed by the return leg on Tuesday. If successful, they will then face either Albania or Norway, with the victor earning a place in the tournament in Switzerland. Speaking to the PA news agency, Oxtoby shared her excitement about the upcoming challenges and opportunities.
“We’re really excited,” Oxtoby expressed. “I remember when we first embarked on this journey, qualifying for the Euros was the ultimate goal, and I feel like we’re now at the decisive stage of achieving that. We are fully prepared and ready for the challenge. It’s going to be a great double-header, and we’re eager to reunite.”
Reflecting on the progress made since she assumed her role, Oxtoby added, “Given everything we’ve been building in the background in terms of creating a high-performing environment, I’m pleased with where we are at now. It’s an exciting time for us.”
Oxtoby also mentioned the Chase Football Coaching Programme, which offers fully-funded access to coaching qualifications for individuals from low-income backgrounds across the United Kingdom, as she continues to work on developing the team and setting the stage for long-term success.
For more information on the Chase Football Coaching Programme, please visit: https://www.chase.co.uk/gb/en/chase-football-coaching-programme/
Insights and Summary:
Tanya Oxtoby’s leadership has propelled Northern Ireland women’s football team towards qualifying for the European Championships next summer. The team’s upcoming play-off matches against Croatia and potentially against other strong opponents like Albania or Norway present an exciting challenge for the squad. Oxtoby’s focus on creating a high-performing environment and long-term success bodes well for the team’s future. It’s evident that the team is in a positive phase of development under Oxtoby’s guidance, and the eager anticipation for the upcoming matches reflects the team’s determination and spirit.