Rebecca Sawiuk

Rebecca Sawiuk
Personal information
Date of birth (1989-02-20) 20 February 1989
Place of birth Cambridge, England

Rebecca Sawiuk (born 20 February 1989) is an English professional football coach and manager. She previously held the Head Coach role at Burnley Women[1] in the FA Women's National League North 23–25.[2] She previously served as the Director of Football for Loughborough University,[3] held both Head Coach and Assistant Coach roles in the Barclays Women's Super League 2[4] and spent four seasons coaching in the Youth Development Phase at Watford FC Academy (boys).[5] Rebecca's research portfolio of published work focuses on the area of sports coaching and coach education.

Career history

Early career

Rebecca completed her UEFA A Licence in 2014. Sawiuk studied a sports coaching degree at Manchester Metropolitan University[6] between 09 and 2014. During this time, she worked with Crewe Alexandra performance pathway u14, u11 and moved to Stoke City following the FA's decision to close Crewe.[7] Here she coached the u13, u15 age groups which included, Hannah Hampton.[8] In 2013–2015, an opportunity to work within the National system followed, Rebecca held the role of u15s Assistant Coach on the national talent camps which helped to develop the best young players in the country. Her work for the FA included holding the role of u17s Head Coach on the SW performance pathway[9] where she coached the u17s age group whilst supporting with the research process.

Women's Super League 2

Rebecca has held coaching roles for London Bees, Millwall Women (now London City Lionesses) and Oxford Women who all competed in the Barclays WSL2. In 2014-2015 Sawiuk was Assistant Coach at London Bees following the departure of Head Coach Donati, subsequently she was appointed interim Head Coach for the Bees. Sawiuk was in the dugout for the first ever WSL2 match an (A) 0–3 win[10] at Oxford. In 2016 she was appointed as the Manager of Millwall[11][12][13] and succeeded Dan Milnar, during this time she oversaw 1-1, 2-2 results against Everton,[14][15] a 3 -1 win against Watford,[16] a 5–3 win against Oxford and a 1–1 draw with eventual champions Yeovil.[17] Rebecca's Millwall side also fell to a 2–0 away loss in the FA Cup to WSL1 side Reading.[18] After a 6-month stint, she departed to focus on a different career opportunity. In 2017-2019[19] Rebecca held the role of Technical Director at Oxford United where she oversaw the programme from u9-u21. She additionally supported Andy Cook as a first team coach following a departure to his backroom team for the 18–19 season. During this time the u16s reached the final 4 of the FA Youth Cup and lost 0–3 to Arsenal in the semifinal, the furthest an Oxford team had ever reached.[20]

Watford FC Academy

Sawiuk spent 4 seasons (18–22) coaching at Watford Academy and was appointed by Head of Football Barry Quin. She held her role under a variety of different Academy Managers and Head of Coaching staff, Jimmy Gilligan, Richard Johnson, Richard Thomas and Darren Searle. Rebecca mainly worked in the YDP phase but assisted throughout the pathway. She is one of only a few female coaches to have held roles in a male football Academy.

Director of Football Loughborough

Rebecca was appointed Director of Football[21] at Loughborough University in April 2022, following her departure from the University of Hertfordshire. Sawiuk oversaw a successful spell for the men and women's performance football offer, men and women's futsal and all BUCS and rec football on campus. Loughborough University is the best University in the world for sports-related subjects[22] and has been for 9 years in a row and has won the BUCS national competition for 43 years running.[23] Loughborough is renowned for its high-performance environment and is home to many of the best athletes in the UK.[24][25][26] During Rebecca's time at Loughborough, she supported the men's performance side with their groundbreaking promotion into Step 4 of the non-league pyramid,[27] with support from the FA and the non-league board to break through the historical red tape.[28] She led the growth and development[29] of the Loughborough Lighting football programme and appointed current Head Coach Charles Baxter.[30] Alongside this role Rebecca held the title of Head Coach of the English Universities[31] Women's programme from 2019 to 2023.

Burnley Women

Sawiuk joined Burnley as Head Coach following the departure of Jay Bradford to Rangers in June 2023.[32] Rebecca led Burnley to their highest ever finish in the Women's FA National League North 23–24.[33] In the 23–24 season Burnley reached the 4th round of the FA Cup competition and were drawn against Birmingham City Women who at the time the game was played sat 1st in the WSL2. Burnley lost the game 1-3 AET.[34] Burnley finished the FA Cup competition as the highest scorers with 23 goals.[35] She departed the club in 2025.[36]

Managerial statistics

TEAM FROM TO Record
P W D L GF GA GD Win %
Burnley Women June 2023 March 2025 57 41 3 13 197 47 150 71%

TV appearances

Rebecca was recruited for the Ultimate Goal TV show. Sawiuk was part of Racheal Brown-Finnis, Eni Aluko, Rosie Kmita and Molly Kmita coaching support team. The show ran for 2 seasons, each with 6 episodes.

Personal life

Born in Cambridge, she attended the Chesterton Community College and moved onto Long Road Sixth Form College. Rebecca comes from a family with a rich football history associated with Cambridge United. Her grandad Arthur Morgan played in goal for Cambridge United in 1947-1955 and his brother Jack Morgan first dropped the Cambridge United anthem 'got a lovely bunch of coconuts' at the Abbey.[37]

Research profile

Sawiuk holds a MSc in Sports Coaching (MMU), League Manager Diploma (Liverpool Hope) and a PGcert in Teaching (University of Hertfordshire). Rebecca is a published academic in the field of sports coaching; specifically mentoring,[38] coach education,[39] women's football[40] and gender.[41]

References

  1. ↑ "Burnley Women confirm the appointment of highly experienced coach as new manager". Burnley Express. 2023-07-28. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  2. ↑ "The FA Women's National League". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  3. ↑ "Sawiuk appointed as Loughborough's new Director of Football". Loughborough University. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  4. ↑ "The FA". Womens Leagues and Competitions. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  5. ↑ www.watfordfc.com https://www.watfordfc.com/. Retrieved 2025-05-14. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ↑ "Rebecca Sawiuk". Manchester Metropolitan University. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  7. ↑ Morse, Peter (2011-06-14). "Crewe Alex: MP vows to tackle FA over axed girls centre of excellence". crewechronicle. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  8. ↑ Association, The Football. "England Football player profile: Hannah Hampton | England Football". www.englandfootball.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  9. ↑ Ye, Xin. "supp1-3184980.pdf". doi.org. doi:10.1109/lgrs.2022.3184980/mm1. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  10. ↑ Association, The Football. "London Bees ease to victory over Oxford in FA WSL opener". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  11. ↑ Dunn, Carrie (2016-03-15). "Women's Super League Preview". The Set Pieces. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  12. ↑ "Rebecca Sawiuk: Millwall Lionesses appoint new manager". BBC Sport. 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  13. ↑ "Millwall Lionesses add three signings to their squad". millwallfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2018-12-17.
  14. ↑ Association, The Football. "FA Women's Super League: 2016 fixtures released". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  15. ↑ England (2016-03-29). Millwall Lionesses 2-2 Everton Ladies | Goals & Highlights. Retrieved 2025-05-14 – via YouTube.
  16. ↑ "Lionesses roar past Golden Girls in extra-time as FA Cup dreams come to an end". Hemel Today. 2016-02-09. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  17. ↑ England (2016-04-25). Yeovil Town Ladies 1-1 Millwall Lionesses | Goals & Highlights. Retrieved 2025-05-14 – via YouTube.
  18. ↑ "Millwall Lionesses suffer SSE Women's FA Cup exit". millwallfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  19. ↑ "Women and Oxford Bus Company Build Partnership | Oxford United Football Club". www.oufc.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  20. ↑ "Under 16 Girls Go Out Of FA Youth Cup". Oxford United Football Club. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  21. ↑ "Sawiuk appointed as Loughborough's new Director of Football". Loughborough University. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  22. ↑ "Number one in the world for sports-related subjects". www.lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  23. ↑ "Loughborough University wins incredible 43rd consecutive BUCS title". Loughborough University. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  24. ↑ "Performance | Sport | Loughborough University". www.lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  25. ↑ "A World-Class Venue - Elite Athlete Centre". Elite Athlete Centre and Hotel. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  26. ↑ "Athletes | Loughborough athletes on the global stage | Loughborough University". www.lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  27. ↑ "Loughborough Students ready for historic Step 4 debut in Northern Premier League Midlands Division". Loughborough University. 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  28. ↑ Poulain, Alan. "Loughborough Students statement from the FA". United Counties Football League. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  29. ↑ "Lightning Football agree season long loan with Leicester City Academy Graduates". Loughborough University. 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  30. ↑ "Alumnus Baxter appointed new Loughborough Lightning Head Coach". Loughborough University. 2023-01-30. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  31. ↑ "EUS". englishuniversitiessport.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  32. ↑ "REBECCA SAWIUK IS NEW BURNLEY FC WOMEN MANAGER | BurnleyFC". www.burnleyfootballclub.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  33. ↑ "WOMEN'S SEASON REVIEW: PART ONE | BurnleyFC". www.burnleyfootballclub.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  34. ↑ "WOMEN'S REPORT: BURNLEY 1 - 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY | BurnleyFC". www.burnleyfootballclub.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  35. ↑ "2023/24 WOMEN'S SEASON IN NUMBERS | BurnleyFC". www.burnleyfootballclub.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  36. ↑ "SAWIUK DEPARTS BURNLEY WOMEN | BurnleyFC". www.burnleyfootballclub.com.
  37. ↑ "Category: Arthur Morgan". 100 YEARS OF COCONUTS. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  38. ↑ Sawiuk, Rebecca; Taylor, William G.; Groom, Ryan (2018-07-24). "Exploring formalized elite coach mentoring programmes in the UK: 'We've had to play the game'". Sport, Education and Society. 23 (6): 619–631. doi:10.1080/13573322.2016.1248386. ISSN 1357-3322.
  39. ↑ Sawiuk, Rebecca; Lewis, Colin J.; Taylor, William George (2021-01-02). ""Long ball" and "balls deep": a critical reading of female coach-learners' experiences of the UEFA A licence". Sports Coaching Review. 10 (1): 110–127. doi:10.1080/21640629.2021.1874688. hdl:2299/23713. ISSN 2164-0629.
  40. ↑ Sawiuk, Rebecca (2021-07-16). "Euro 2020 set England up for a strong World Cup in 2022". The Conversation. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  41. ↑ Clarkson, Beth G.; Parry, Keith D.; Sawiuk, Rebecca; Grubb, Laura; Kavanagh, Emma (2025-03-04). "Transforming the English coaching landscape: Black women football coaches' acts of resistance against racism and sexism". Managing Sport and Leisure. 30 (2): 156–171. doi:10.1080/23750472.2022.2148720. ISSN 2375-0472.
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