Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) announced Friday that it has appointed Tom Halsall to become head coach of CFC Women for the 2024 season.
The former CFC men’s goalkeeper, who played in four seasons with the club, has spent the past two years as head coach of the women’s soccer team at Bryan College.
Born in England, Halsall spent his youth development in Manchester City’s academy and a short spell on loan with Championship club Derby County before journeying over the United States to play collegiately and earn a degree.
Halsall played for Lee University from 2012 to 2016, where he was an NCCAA All-American and member of the 2014 NCCAA National Championship team.
“I can’t quite believe it,” said Halsall. “It’s such a full circle moment to bring me back to this role as a player. I’m really excited to put my stamp on the women’s program and help get it to where we all feel it deserves to be and bring the right success back to the club and the women’s side, especially. I’m really, really honored and really excited to get going.”
“When I first met Tom I sensed he had the ability to lead the team, and more importantly, it was clear that CFC was important to him on many levels,” said Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood.
Halsall’s coaching journey began at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina as the assistant coach for the men’s team for the 2016/17 season. Halsall then joined Shorter University in Rome, Georgia for two seasons as men’s and women’s graduate assistant coach before becoming Director of Goalkeeping for Florida Elite Soccer Academy in Jacksonville, Florida in May 2019.
Halsall has his FA Level 1 Outfield Coaching and Goalkeeping License along with an NSCAA D License. He resides in Athens, Tennessee with his wife Arielle.
Halsall will take over from Randy Douglas. CFC would like to thank Douglas for his pivotal two years of service in relaunching and helping to establish the women’s side as a crucial part of the club and city.
Dates for open tryouts for Chattanooga FC Women will be announced in the near future. Interested players are encouraged to fill out an interest form here.
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