Coach Hayes conducted a workshop for the female under-18 group at the Chelsea Foundation International Development Centre based at United World Colleges Southeast Asia in Singapore.

Working alongside two Foundation coaches, James Hagerty and Ash Hopkins, the workshop was centred around allyship allowing the players to discuss who their allies are, who inspires and empowers them.

The team also took part in a training session as the squad prepared for their upcoming fixtures, with Covid-19 restrictions in Singapore easing.

Speaking to the players at the workshop, coach Hayes opened up on her previous challenges when growing up playing football, saying: ‘When I have played with males, they would only pass to each other and would only expect the women to defend the goal, not usually given the chance to be in the position to score goals or keep possession of the ball.

‘Women must stand up for each other. I’m not going to give up coaching football – a sport that I am passionate about.’

Working with Chelsea Foundation has been Hayes’ first job in football. Speaking about her experience with us so far, she said: ‘Chelsea offered me my first opportunity and I have never felt any bias at the club, thankfully I feel needed as an equal member of the team.’

Reflecting on the workshop, coach James Hagerty added: ‘The workshop really made the players think about who they look up to and aspire to be. Our female players have found it really difficult over the past two years as they haven’t really been able to regularly interact with one another.

‘Hayes is demonstrating that females can have a successful career in the male-dominated industry of football and excel.’