The 38-year old is looking forward to a new chapter.
Former Canadian soccer player and Baie D’urfé native Rhian Wilkinson is now a part of England’s coaching staff. Wilkinson, who won bronze with Team Canada in the 2012 London Olympics, will join as an assistant to interim head coach Hege Riise.
Wilkinson left Canada Soccer in hopes of gaining more experience in professional coaching. She had previously been serving as an assistant coach for the senior women’s team as well as the head coach of the under-17 and under-20 teams. Motivated by wanting to get out of her comfort zone, Wilkinson admits that the change from Canada after being a part of the organization for so long has been scary, but the players in England have been extremely welcoming.
Sarina Wiegman is set to take over the team’s coaching duties following the Tokyo Olympics, with both Riise and Wilkinson signing short-term deals. Rhian hopes that she can show what she brings to the team in this short period in order to work under Sabrina, stating that “It would be nice to learn from one of the best in the game”.
In Britain, the BBC and Sky have recently agreed to a three-year broadcasting deal, which Wilkinson sees as a great opportunity for the sport to grow, and that England’s team will help women’s soccer gain even more exposure.
Wilkinson anticipates facing her former club, who are ranked No. 8 in the world, very close to England who ranks No. 6.
