Phoebe Schecter: From Homesick to History-Making NFL Coach

Phoebe Schecter’s journey from homesick horse worker to Britain’s first female NFL Coach is nothing short of remarkable. The 34-year-old Connecticut native found solace in joining a flag football club in Manchester, which eventually led her to making history in the world of American football.

After impressing at trials in Manchester, Phoebe became a key player for the GB Women’s American Football team, eventually captaining them to the final of the 2015 European Championships. Her success on the field caught the attention of the NFL, and in 2018 she made history by becoming the first female coach at the highest level of American football with the Buffallo Bills.

Reflecting on her time in the male-dominated NFL environment, Phoebe described the experience as intense and motivating. Despite the long hours and high stakes, she found inspiration in the dedication of her colleagues and the drive to constantly improve.

Now settled in Holmes Chapel, Phoebe has taken on a role as an NFL analyst for Sky Sports and is actively involved in promoting girls’ participation in flag football. She played a key role in launching the first-ever girls-only flag football league in Manchester, providing young girls aged 12-14 with the opportunity to engage with the sport in a supportive and empowering environment.

The inaugural league, featuring 100 girls from across the region, will see teams compete over five weeks, culminating in a Championship Event on May 22nd. The launch event at Bolton School was a success, with the girls receiving their official team kits from Nike and participating in NFL Flag taster sessions led by Phoebe and other coaches.

Phoebe’s dedication to empowering young girls through sport and her groundbreaking achievements in American football make her a true trailblazer in the world of sports coaching. Her journey from homesickness to history-making serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and coaches.