Gavin Step appointed as women's technical director

Gavin Step has been appointed as the FA’s women’s technical director having held the role on an interim basis since May 2025.

The position will see him lead the technical strategy for England women at St George’s Park. Working into chief football officer Dan Ashworth, he will be responsible for player development, talent pathways and performance support for the England women’s national teams.

Step has been involved with the FA for more than 15 years, most recently as the head of women’s youth development before assuming the technical director role just before UEFA EURO 2025. His passion for the women’s game began at FA centre of excellence level, and the past decade has seen him move from coaching with England youth teams into wider leadership roles in the women’s technical directorate, including as head of player development.

He said: “My overriding emotion is one of pride, and I am very honoured to be given this role at such an exciting time.

"I also feel a responsibility in holding this position in the women’s game, and I am determined to help the team build on everything that has been achieved in the past few years. There is such a good group of people at St. George’s Park, and a strong commitment to the women’s game across the organisation.”

Step is clear on his remit to underpin a strong performance environment, adding: “I am here to support Sarina [Wiegman] and give her everything she needs so the team is competitive. Supporting all of our head coaches is vital, as well as also working with Dan to develop our workforce, and the coaching and player pathways. This will all be critical to our ongoing success.”