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Manisha Tailor MBE

@_manishatailor_

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⚽️ Head Coach & Strategic Leader
👩‍🎓 UEFA Pro Licence (candidate) - FA AYA - LMA Dip - Qualified Headteacher
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8 days ago

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Yesterday, I attended an online 𝗟𝗠𝗔/𝗟𝗖𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 that explored the idea of super strengths in high‑performance environments. It was a thought‑provoking session, and I want to thank Jess Thom for offering a perspective that challenged the deficit‑based lens that can often be seen in sport.

The question posed was simple yet can be surprisingly difficult to answer: “𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝?”

Working across both sport and education, I’ve seen how often people focus on what they can’t do rather than what they can. But my grounding in child development — particularly drawing upon Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) — has always taught me that people grow most effectively when supported just beyond their current capability. That zone is where confidence builds, identity forms, and meaningful learning happens.

And this is exactly where strengths come into play.

When we help individuals identify their signature strengths, we’re essentially locating their ZPD: the space where they are naturally capable, energised, and ready to stretch with the right support.

The webinar reinforced what I’ve consistently seen in practice:

■ Strengths create clarity — people understand their role and contribution more deeply.
■ They provide a return — enhanced performance, better decision‑making, and more consistent behaviours under pressure.
■ The world’s best aren’t all‑rounders; they are individuals who maximise what makes them exceptional.
■ Positive psychology shows that those who lean into strengths outperform those who fixate on weaknesses.
■ Weaknesses only matter when they directly interfere with your super strength.
■ This aligns perfectly with developmental theory: We grow from what is strong, not what is wrong.

My reflections in practice keep bringing me back to the same truth:

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁. by @_manishatailor_

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9 days ago

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19 days ago

Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." — John C. Crosby.

What an inspiring morning filled with learning, meaningful conversations, and fresh aspirations with @smellioellio.

Beyond the game, football teaches us invaluable life lessons. Through every pass, challenge, and shared goal, we learn to Build, Connect, and Collaborate.

Grateful for the conversations with open minded individuals 🙌⚽.

#Mentoring #Leadership #Football #coacheducation by @_manishatailor_

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3 months ago

'Developing the individual within a team structure'.

Thank you to the FAS Coach Education department on the opportunity to deliver to the AFC B Licence candidates.

We discussed:
✅️ Personal playing philosophies and how these might need to be adapted based on the group of players that you are working with.

✅️ Identifying individual player characteristics and being clear on what we are looking for from each role and how this evolves based on the player.

✅️ The importance of session design when developing individual, unit and team techniques or tactics.

✅️ Winning vs. Development - considerations for which arena we are working in and it's implications.

'Without adaptability and patience, ego can blind the pursuit of developing players'.

#coach #soccercoach #womeninfootball by @_manishatailor_

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3 months ago

JUNE FIFA INTERNATIONAL WINDOW ⚽️

The month of June saw the WU19s take part in their third localised training camp for 2026.

With players representing both the Singapore Women’s Premier League and National League, the group reflects a strong balance and continued opportunity across the two tiers of women’s football in Singapore.

The players showed a great attitude—open to learning and feedback, committed in their approach, and consistently conducting themselves in a positive manner.

It was a pleasure working with them again and continuing to see their growth translated into league performances.

A big thank you to the staff for your hard work, adaptability, and commitment—your efforts are truly appreciated 🫱🏽‍🫲🏿✨🇸🇬

#football #WomensFootball #internationalfootball by @_manishatailor_

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4 months ago

Honoured to have begun my UEFA Pro Licence journey with the FAW. Three months in and it has already been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career.

From expert insights with leaders in the game — exploring the skills of the modern coach, identity and culture, The Welsh Way, and the science behind periodisation — to our first residential at Celtic Manor, every moment has stretched me, grounded me and pushed my thinking.

The assessment days were a real test of what it means to be a modern Head Coach. My biggest reflections:
• Preparation, authenticity and understanding club culture are essential when engaging with boards and senior leaders.
• Stay rounded in your knowledge — league, players, development pathways — and composed when facing the media.
• Use video analysis with a critical eye, focusing on the key themes that truly matter.

A standout moment was delivering a position‑specific session at the FAW Coaches Conference. Being mic’d up in front of 500 coaches from grassroots to the professional game was daunting, but stepping out of my comfort zone brought huge growth. Grateful to those who supported, believed and reflected with me.

We also spent time in the Brecon Beacons with Fieri, working under pressure, fatigue and uncertainty. Tough days, big lessons, and bonds built through challenge, laughter and shared experience.

I’m deeply thankful to my mentors, past and present, and to every environment that has shaped my journey. Special thanks to Chris Ramsey for his constant support, Dr David Adams for believing in me, my Pro Licence group for their encouragement, and Amy Hobbs for making this experience seamless.

Diolch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿⚽️ by @_manishatailor_

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5 months ago

9 years ago today, on May 12th, my family and I had the privilege of visiting Buckingham Palace, where I received an MBE for services to football and diversity in sport.

A surreal moment — and one we will cherish for a lifetime.

But more importantly, the honour represents a journey shaped by adversity, persistence, resilience, and a commitment to championing inclusion.

I continue to be inspired by those who have the courage to use their voice to influence change.

Those who lead quietly from the shadows to ensure equal access to opportunities and a level playing field for everyone who loves the game.

Allies who stand beside individuals who may not otherwise be heard, and who advocate for those marginalised because of their differences.

Heroes and sheroes who use their platforms not only to promote inclusion, but to embed it in everyday practice.

Diversity and breadth of experience strengthen our collective ability to work holistically.

Challenge — when embraced — provokes deeper thinking, better decisions, and more meaningful progress.

Real change is built by those who choose to stand up, speak up, and show up — even when no one is watching.

🫡🔈⚽️

#diversity #inclusion #football #resilience by @_manishatailor_

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5 months ago

24 years ago ⏳️ Where it all started ⚽️

In 2002, while teaching at my school, I began delivering football coaching sessions. At the time, I had no formal coaching qualifications—just my teaching degree, a deep passion for football, and the encouragement of a very supportive Headteacher, Mr Raja, who believed in the idea of starting a club for our students.

As I moved schools and roles over the years, the passion remained—just in different environments.
It was during my time at a primary school in Brent that I met Rachel Yankey OBE: a true pioneer of the game and an exceptional person. Together, we delivered a cohesive programme that integrated literacy and numeracy through the power of football. With Rachel’s guidance, I began my formal coaching qualification pathway in 2009.

Alongside coaching the school team, I joined Gibbons Wreckers Youth FC, a grassroots community club founded by Rachel in North West London. There, I found an incredible football family and was given the opportunity to grow further as a coach in the early stages of my career.

After transitioning from education in 2011, our paths crossed again, and I was fortunate to spend many years observing, learning, and delivering within Rachel’s football programme.

I’ll always be grateful for where it all began—and for the people who believed in me at the very start of the journey 🫱🏽‍🫲🏿✨️ by @_manishatailor_

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5 months ago

This month marks 10 years since @chris_ramseymbe invited me to Queens Park Rangers FC and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Although we first met in 2014 at an event held at England's National Training Centre, St George's Park, it was our reconnection at Kick it Out's 'Raise Your Game' event held in London in 2016, that shaped my personal & professional development within professional & international football moving forwards.

A reflection on opportunity:
- Being given an opportunity can transform potential into success. However, I was fortunate that it was more than just about being allowed to (initially) observe an elite environment.

Over time I learned that It was also about Chris 'Identifying Talent Potential' and ultimately what I was doing to sieze the opportunity for growth and development.

- Being able to compliment skills and experience and provide an alternative lens to aid performance was an asset

- Having an obsession for player development and loyalty to 'sticking to the plan' and executing what was asked allowed for longevity and a relationship of trust

- As well as Chris, I had many fantastic allies, who were there for support & growth and grateful that I still speak to them to date

- Personal resilience, and perseverance coupled with a High Challenge & High Support environment allowed me to thrive.

From boss, friend to family. Thank you to Chris for taking the time to speak with me 12 years ago and & all those currently continuing to shape my journey in the game.

"Any human anywhere will blossom... simply by being given the opportunity to do so." — Anonymous

#mentor #womeninfootball #coaching #allyship by @_manishatailor_

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6 months ago

Singapore WU19 x FIFA Window

A busy few months for our U19s with both the Feb/March & April FIFA Windows taking place recently.

Both camps included localised centralised training and included available Singapore based players aged between U17-U19 which has provided ample opportunities for both Talent Identification and Talent Development and as a result, is helping to widen the pool of 'emerging talent' who fall within the U19 age group.

Some of my reflections over both camps are below.

FEB/MARCH FIFA Window: The premise for this FIFA Window was 'Talent Development' and 'Culture'. With 8 current Singapore based U19s promoted to the Senior A Women's training camp, opportunity was provided to nurture new talent, as well as U17s who have previously been part of the National Team Youth pathway. The success of the Future Lioness programme was such that 8 players debuted during this camp and had not previously been part of the National Pathway. The 4 days of localised training allowed us to see how the players connect and respond to the demands of what is being asked as well as be provided with off field learning such as video analysis, gym work and for this camp, a workshop on culture and identity.

APRIL FIFA Window: The premise of 'Talent Development' continued which included a mix of players who have previously represented Senior A (and were unable to travel to the overseas Senior A camp) as well as those from the Future Lioness programme. This camp mirrored the previous window although included 1 closed door friendly which provided an opportunity for learning transfer from training into game. We also extended our off field learning to gym, video analysis focused on the game as well as a workshop on Pelvic Health.

I want to thank the staff who have assisted over both camps and the clubs for playing their part in helping to nurture female football talent in Singapore.

#football #coaching #internationalfootball #womeninfootball by @_manishatailor_

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6 months ago

Talent Identification x Choa Chua Kang 🏟
Another productive weekend dedicated to WU19 scouting and player monitoring.

A particularly rewarding aspect of my role as an International Head Coach is the significant opportunity it provides for Talent Identification, encompassing both the ongoing assessment of current players and the recognition of emerging talent potential.

During my time in UK football, discussions surrounding talent bias were frequent, and I recall this being a prominent subject when I completed The FA Talent ID Level 2 several years ago.

The most valuable guidance I received during my time in club football was to critically evaluate my daily practices to mitigate Talent Identification bias and consider its potential influence on Talent Development.

This principle remains highly relevant today. While perfect decisions may not always be achievable, the key objective is to continuously challenge our perspectives, maintain an open mindset, and optimise available resources.

#football #coaching #womeninfootball #talentidentification by @_manishatailor_

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6 months ago