![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/i-hope-more-women-start-to-coach-says-lionesses-chief-sarina-wiegman-as-she-reflects-on-her-managerial-journey/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sarina-wiegman-manager-england-interviewed-831489131.jpg&description=boss move 'I hope more women start to coach', says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman as she reflects on her managerial journey SARINA WIEGMAN never dreamed the Women's World Cup would become a showpiece event after playing in an experimental version. The experience set the England boss, 53, on a journey that now sees her aiming to lead the Lionesses to glory in this summer's contest. 5 Sarina Wiegman's England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup when they take on Haiti in Brisbane, Australia on July 22 Credit: Getty 5 The two-time Euros-winning boss has been reflecting on her journey in the game including playing in a Women's World Cup test tournament in China in her teens Credit: Getty In 1988, an 18-year-old Wiegman was part of a Dutch women's side that battled in a 12-team test event in China during a heatwave. That competition was a far cry from the 32-team spectacle kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20. Back then some national players having to cover the cost of their flights and equipment. Wiegman, whose Lionesses will play Haiti in their group stage opener next Saturday, said: "That experience taught me 'this is what I want'. MATCH OFF "As the Netherlands we weren't great (at the time), but when we got into the tournament we actually did really well. "I think at that point we could have beaten Brazil, and I thought 'this is what I want to do', but there weren't very many opportunities then. "I just really loved that tournament, I will never forget it." Born in the Hague, Wiegman, who is a mother-of-two, recalls growing up in an era where there was "nothing for women in football". Despite this challenge her parents supported her enthusiasm for the game. Fourteen years before Wiegman's birth Dutch Ladies Soccer sides were banned from playing on fields belonging to men's clubs linked with the Netherlands FA. She adds: "When I was six years old or five years old, girls were not allowed to play football, but I just liked it. "My parents n){kind=link}
SARINA WIEGMAN never dreamed the Women’s World Cup would become a showpiece event after playing in an experimental version.
The experience set the England boss, 53, on a journey that now sees her aiming to lead the Lionesses to glory in this summer’s contest.
In 1988, an 18-year-old Wiegman was part of a Dutch women’s side that battled in a 12-team test event in China during a heatwave.
That competition was a far cry from the 32-team spectacle kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.
Back then some national players having to cover the cost of their flights and equipment.