In a milestone moment for Seychelles football, Chris Yip-Au, Head of Women’s Football and National Team Coach, has been selected as a mentee in the FIFA Elite Coach Mentorship Programme — an initiative designed to empower and develop the next generation of top-level women’s football coaches around the world.
For Chris, the opportunity is more than professional development — it’s a deeply personal chapter in a journey that began with passion, persistence, and purpose. Representing a small island nation on the global coaching stage is no small feat. Yet, Chris continues to break barriers and open doors for those who will come after her.
“I still can’t quite believe it,” Chris shared. “Coming from a place like Seychelles, where resources and exposure are limited, to now sitting in rooms with coaches who’ve led teams at the World Cup and Champions League level — it’s intimidating, but it’s also incredibly empowering.”
The programme officially kicked off with an in-person workshop held in Zurich, Switzerland, where mentors and mentees gathered for a high-level exchange of experience, strategy, and shared learning. It was here that Chris had the chance to witness greatness firsthand — from decorated coaches who have shaped the women’s game globally, to peers who are pushing boundaries in their own regions.
“To hear their stories and lessons up close was a gift,” she said. “There was so much wisdom in the room. At times I felt overwhelmed, but I reminded myself — this is where I’m meant to be. This is where I build. This is where I grow.”
The 18-month mentorship programme will see Chris paired with a senior coach mentor, with tailored support, strategic planning, and immersive learning opportunities ahead — all geared toward strengthening her technical, leadership, and management capacities as a coach.
Chris’s inclusion in the programme not only reflects her individual commitment to growth, but also highlights Seychelles’ rising ambitions in women’s football. Under her leadership, the national programme has seen increased visibility, participation, and competitive structure — including the rebranding of the Seychelles Women’s League in 2024/2025.
“This isn’t just for me,” she added. “It’s for the players back in Seychelles, the girls dreaming big dreams, and everyone who ever felt like where they came from might limit where they could go. Seychelles may be small — but we are not to be overlooked. Everybody deserves to dream. Everybody deserves a chance.”
As she embarks on this journey, Chris continues to carry the hopes of a nation — and the conviction that with the right guidance, heart, and hustle, anything is possible.
