Canada Soccer has announced the appointment of Jen Herst to lead the nation’s Under-17 Women’s Team, officially known as CANW17. She will also oversee the Excel Women’s Youth Program, a pivotal role in developing the next generation of Canadian soccer stars.
A proven Leader Takes the Helm
Table of Contents
- 1. A proven Leader Takes the Helm
- 2. Extensive Experience and a History of Success
- 3. The Growing Landscape of Women’s Soccer
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions about Jen Herst and CANW17
- 5. How does consolidating the roles of U-17 Head Coach and Excel Program Lead aim to improve player progression within Canada Soccer?
- 6. Canada Soccer Elevates Jen herst: A New Era for Women’s Youth Progress
- 7. Herst’s Dual Role: U-17 Head Coach & Excel Program lead
- 8. background and Experience: A Proven Track Record
- 9. The Excel Program: A Deep Dive
- 10. Impact on the U-17 National Team
- 11. Benefits of a Unified Leadership Structure
- 12. Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Soccer in Canada
Herst began her duties earlier this summer, successfully guiding the CANW17 team through a four-nations tournament in Mexico. The team showcased strong performances against tough competition, achieving a 1-1 draw with the United States (winning the penalty shootout), a 0-0 draw against Mexico (also winning on penalties), and a decisive 2-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Now, Herst turns her attention to preparing the team for the prestigious FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17th to November 8th, 2025. This tournament represents a crucial opportunity for Canada to showcase its emerging talent on the global stage.
“I am extremely keen about the future of women’s soccer in Canada. There is remarkable talent across the country, and I commit to supporting and advancing this potential. This is a crucial step in our progress journey and I can’t wait to help build a system that reflects the diversity, ambition, and excellence of our nation.” – Jen Herst, Head Coach, CANW17 and Head of Excel Women’s Youth program
Extensive Experience and a History of Success
Herst brings over a decade of high-level coaching experience to the role. she was a key member of the coaching staff for Canada’s Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. In these positions, she was responsible for coaching the goalkeepers and devising strategies for set pieces.
prior to her return to Canada, herst honed her skills with the English Football Association and the Football Association of Wales, and with prominent clubs including Liverpool, Manchester city, and Everton. She is recognized as a trailblazer in the field, becoming the youngest woman to earn the UEFA goalkeeping ‘A’ license in 2014 and receiving the English Football Federation’s “Coach of the Year – Development/Female Talent” award that same year.
here’s a snapshot of Herst’s credentials:
| Credential | Year Obtained |
|---|---|
| UEFA Goalkeeping ‘A’ License | 2014 |
| UEFA ‘B’ License | N/A |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Development | N/A |
Did You Know? The Canadian women’s national soccer team has consistently ranked among the world’s best, currently holding a position within the top 10 according to FIFA’s world rankings as of September 2025.
“We are delighted to welcome Jen Herst to direct our next generation of players and continue the development of an extraordinary talent pool for our national team. We also thank Gary Moody for his valuable leadership as an interim head coach during this transition.” – Kevin blue, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of Canada Soccer
Herst holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Development from Edge Hill University and is currently in the process of becoming a Canadian citizen, having resided in Montreal for several years.
Pro Tip: Investing in youth development programs is vital for sustained success in women’s soccer.Canada soccer’s Excel Program, now under Herst’s guidance, is central to this strategy.
The Growing Landscape of Women’s Soccer
The appointment of jen Herst highlights the increasing investment and focus on women’s soccer globally. Participation rates in the sport continue to rise,fueled by the success of national teams and increased media coverage. According to FIFA, women’s World Cup viewership reached over 2 billion in 2023, demonstrating the growing global interest in the sport. FIFA Official Website
This growth presents both opportunities and challenges. Increased competition requires consistent investment in coaching, facilities, and player development. The Canadian Soccer Association’s commitment to the Excel Program signals their dedication to nurturing future generations of talent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jen Herst and CANW17
- What is Jen Herst’s primary role? Herst is the Head Coach of the Canadian U-17 Women’s national Team (CANW17) and the Head of the Excel Women’s Youth Program.
- When is the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place? The tournament will be held in Morocco from October 17th to November 8th, 2025.
- What experience does Jen Herst bring to the role? She has over a decade of high-level coaching experience, including involvement with the Canadian Olympic team and major clubs in England.
- What is the Excel Women’s Youth Program? It’s a development program designed to identify and nurture promising young female soccer players in canada.
- Where did Jen Herst earn her coaching credentials? she obtained her UEFA Goalkeeping ‘A’ License and UEFA ‘B’ License and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Development.
What are your expectations for the Canadian U-17 Women’s National Team at the upcoming World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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How does consolidating the roles of U-17 Head Coach and Excel Program Lead aim to improve player progression within Canada Soccer?
Canada Soccer Elevates Jen herst: A New Era for Women’s Youth Progress
Herst’s Dual Role: U-17 Head Coach & Excel Program lead
On October 1st, 2025, Canada Soccer announced the appointment of Jen Herst as the new Chief Coach of the National Women’s Team U-17 and head of the Excel Women’s Youth Program. This strategic move signals a important investment in the future of Canadian women’s soccer, consolidating leadership and expertise within a single, highly capable individual. Herst’s appointment is expected to streamline player development pathways and enhance the overall quality of youth women’s soccer across the nation. This is a pivotal moment for Canadian soccer development.
background and Experience: A Proven Track Record
Jen Herst isn’t a new face to Canadian soccer. She brings a wealth of experience in coaching and player development,having previously served in various capacities within the Canada Soccer pathway. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes player-centric learning, tactical flexibility, and fostering a positive team environment.
* Previous Roles: Herst has a history of success in identifying and nurturing young talent. Details of her previous roles are currently being compiled by Canada Soccer and will be released shortly.
* Coaching Certifications: Holding advanced coaching certifications (specific details pending official release),herst is well-equipped to implement modern training methodologies.
* Focus on Holistic Development: Herst’s approach extends beyond technical skills, prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of players.
The Excel Program: A Deep Dive
The Canada Soccer Excel Program is a cornerstone of women’s youth development. It’s a national program designed to identify, develop, and prepare elite female players for success at the international level. Herst’s leadership will be instrumental in:
* Refining Talent Identification: Strengthening the scouting network to ensure no promising player is overlooked.
* Curriculum Enhancement: Updating the Excel Program curriculum to align with best practices in global women’s soccer. Youth soccer training will be a key focus.
* Regional Development: Fostering collaboration between provincial and territorial soccer associations to create a more unified development pathway.
* Increased Competition: Providing more opportunities for elite players to compete against top international opposition.
Impact on the U-17 National Team
Taking the reins of the U-17 National Women’s Team, Herst faces the challenge of preparing the squad for upcoming international tournaments, including qualifying events for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
* Strategic Focus: Herst’s initial focus will be on building team cohesion and implementing a clear tactical identity.
* Player Pathway: The U-17 team serves as a crucial stepping stone for players progressing through the Canada Soccer pathway. Herst’s role ensures a seamless transition for players identified through the Excel Program.
* Tournament Readiness: Detailed training camps and competitive matches will be scheduled to optimize the team’s performance. women’s U-17 soccer is a vital part of the program.
Benefits of a Unified Leadership Structure
Combining the roles of U-17 Head Coach and Excel Program Lead offers several key advantages:
* Alignment of Vision: Ensures a consistent approach to player development across all levels of the youth program.
* Efficient Interaction: Facilitates seamless communication between coaches, technical staff, and players.
* Accelerated Player Progression: Allows for a more rapid identification and integration of promising talent into the national team system.
* Enhanced Accountability: Creates a clear line of accountability for the success of the women’s youth program.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Soccer in Canada
Herst’s appointment represents a bold step forward for canada Soccer.By investing in experienced and dedicated leadership, the institution is demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Canadian women’s soccer stars. The focus on women’s soccer development is paramount. this move is expected to have a ripple effect, inspiring more young girls to pursue their passion for the lovely game and ultimately strengthening Canada’s position on the global stage.The Canada Soccer strategy is clearly focused on long-term success.
