Currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, she will join º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in April 2022.
Sawiuk boasts an extensive career in football, including fulfilling roles at Regional Talent Centres, England Talent Camps, London Bees FC (Head Coach), Millwall Women (Manager), Oxford Girls Academy (Technical Director), Watford Football Club’s boys’ academy (Lead Coach) and Head Coach of the BT Sport Ultimate Goal series.
Her football journey started as an undergraduate student working at Challenger Sports in America, before completing UEFA B, and UEFA A licences, the Advanced Youth Award, and the LMA (League Managers Association) Management Diploma.
She also holds a Bachelor of Arts and master's degree in Sport Coaching from Manchester Metropolitan University.
“It’s a huge honour for me to be appointed to this prestigious post and I am really looking forward to starting my role as Director of Football,” Rebecca told º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Sport.
“I have a real diverse portfolio of experience from within the world of football and higher education and these combined experiences will enable me to support our athletes as footballers and students.
“º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is world-leading for sport, their commitment to sport performance and education is excellent. The campus and sport facilities are inspirational, and I am excited to work here, alongside some of the best athletes, coaches and academics in the world.
“The University has a strong identity, clear vision and embedded values that align with my own. I was drawn to their famous Lightning franchises which offer world-class support for women in performance sport.
“I think it’s important to highlight the brilliant work of Richard Allen and his achievements in the last four years, I really want to build upon this strong foundation and I’m really looking forward to working with the team – Jamie (Clapham), Issy (Martin), João (Almeida), Harriet (Simes) and Margaret (Folwell).
“º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s football offering continues to excel, and I really want to be a part of that and make a meaningful contribution to its continued success. When the opportunity arose to be a part of that rich history, I couldn’t say no.”
Ian Knott, Head of Sport Development, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ added:
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Rebecca as she joins at a really exciting time for º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. We’re sure that Rebecca’s leadership, vision and drive for success will see the programme continue to flourish.”