The National Raise Your Game conference was scheduled for April 27 but had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning anti-discrimination organisation, Kick It Out, moved everything online.Wednesday’s day of mentoring focused on coaching, with the Chelsea FC Women’s manager among a host of high-profile coaches and managers to take time out of their schedule to offer mentoring and support to the next generation.Speaking on the call, Hayes, who is also a trustee of the Chelsea Foundation, offered an array of insights in to her career as well as some advice to take with them in the future.She said: ‘It is great to talk to you guys and see how much ambition you have to make it in the game. Among the main pieces of advice I would give is to be true to yourself and be the best version of you.‘Believe in yourself and say it out loud, with conviction, that you can be successful. Of course you need coaching licences as we want the standard to rise but you can get there.

‘Networking is another key piece of advice and I always tell people to put themselves in uncomfortable positions where you have to challenge yourself.‘When I think about myself, nothing was going to get in my way and you should have the same desire. You are on the ladder now and it is down to you to climb it.’In total Kick It Out will run seven days of mentoring and support in the virtual, interactive format, focusing on different areas within the game.Kick It Out head of development Troy Townsend added: ‘I am extremely delighted to have Emma mentoring at #RYG20 online, having previously mentored at our very first Women’s conference back in 2014.‘Emma’s experiences and knowledge will be invaluable to the four young female coaches mentored by her. All have a desire to work at the highest level of the women’s game so they have the perfect mentor and role model.’Click for further information on Kick It Out’s work and the Raise Your Game conference