🔗 Share this article

On Wednesday, the Bay Collective group revealed the hiring of Van Ginhoven, the English national team's general manager under Sarina Wiegman, as their global women's football operations director. This freshly established multi-team ownership group, with the San Francisco-based Bay FC as the initial addition in its portfolio, has previously engaged in hiring individuals from the national football governing body.

The hiring this year of Cossington, the prominent ex-technical director for the FA, as the chief executive served as a signal of intent by Bay Collective. She is deeply familiar with the women's game comprehensively and now has gathered a leadership team that possesses extensive knowledge of the evolution of the women's game and filled with practical experience.

She is the third central staffer of Wiegman’s setup to exit this year, following Cossington leaving prior to Euro 2025 and deputy manager, Arjan Veurink, stepping down to take up the role of head manager of the Netherlands, however Van Ginhoven's choice arrived more quickly.

Leaving proved to be a surprising shift, yet “My choice was made to depart the Football Association some time back”, she states. “I had a contract lasting four years, similar to Arjan and Sarina did. As they re-signed, I had already said I wasn't sure if I would do the same. I was already used to the thought that following the tournament my time with England would end.”

The tournament became a deeply felt tournament due to that. “I recall distinctly, speaking with Wiegman when I disclosed of my choice and after which we agreed: ‘There’s just one dream, how incredible it would be that we win the Euros?’ In life, dreams don't dreams come true frequently however, against the odds, ours came true.”

Sitting in an orange T-shirt, Van Ginhoven experiences split allegiances after her time with the English team, during which she contributed to winning back-to-back European titles and was a part of the coaching setup during the Dutch victory in the 2017 European Championship.

“The English side retains a dear spot in my heart. So, it will be difficult, particularly now knowing that the players will be arriving for national team duty soon,” she comments. “When England plays the Netherlands, who do I support? Right now I'm in Dutch colors, but tomorrow it’s white.”

A speedboat allows for rapid direction changes. In a small team like this, it's effortless to accomplish.

The club was not initially considered as the organisational wizard concluded that a new chapter was needed, however the pieces fell into place at the right time. Cossington started to bring people in and mutual beliefs were key.

“Essentially upon meeting we connected we had that click moment,” says Van Ginhoven. “There was immediate understanding. We've discussed extensively regarding multiple aspects related to developing women's football and what we think is the right way.”

These executives are not the only figures to uproot themselves from high-profile jobs in the European game for an uncharted opportunity across the Atlantic. Atlético Madrid’s technical director for women's football, González, has been announced as Bay Collective’s new global sporting director.

“I was very attracted by the firm conviction in the potential of women's football,” she comments. “I'm familiar with Cossington for an extended period; when I used to work at Fifa, she held the technical director role for England, and decisions like this come naturally when you are aware you'll be working alongside individuals who motivate you.”

The profound understanding among their staff sets them apart, explains she, for the collective one of several new multi-club initiatives to launch over the past few years. “It's a standout feature of our approach. Different approaches are acceptable, but we definitely believe in incorporating football expertise,” she adds. “The entire leadership have been on a journey within the women's game, probably for the best part of our lives.”

According to their online statement, the mission of Bay Collective is to support and lead a forward-thinking and durable system of women’s football clubs, built on proven methods for the diverse needs of women. Achieving this, with everyone on the same page, with no need to make the case for specific initiatives, is hugely liberating.

“I compare it with moving from a large ship to a fast boat,” states she. “You're journeying in uncharted waters – a common Dutch expression, not sure how it comes across – and it's necessary to trust your own knowledge and expertise to choose wisely. Adjusting course and speeding up is possible with a speedboat. In a lean group like this, that’s easily done.”

González continues: “Here, we start with a blank slate to work from. In my view, our mission focuses on impacting football on a much broader level and that clean start permits you to undertake anything you desire, following the sport's regulations. This is the appeal of what we are building together.”

Their goals are lofty, those in leading roles are saying the things athletes and supporters are eager to hear and it will be fascinating to observe the evolution of this organization, the club and any clubs added to the portfolio.

To get a sense of future plans, what factors are essential for a top-level environment? “{It all starts and ends with|Everything begins and concludes with|The foundation and culmination involve