Lawrence brings a wealth of international coaching experience and holds an MSc in Advanced Performance Football Coaching. She joins Cymru from Lewes Women FC, where she most recently served as head coach.
Originally from the UK, Lawrence moved to New Zealand in 2010 and has since built an impressive coaching résumé across New Zealand and Canada. Her previous roles include positions with Capital Football, the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, and Team Wellington.
She made her mark in the professional game with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women, becoming head coach in 2022. Lawrence was also part of the New Zealand technical staff for FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and an assistant coach for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Returning to the UK in 2023, Lawrence joined Lewes Women FC as assistant manager before stepping up as head coach. During her tenure, she rebuilt the squad, secured a sixth-place finish in the FA Women’s National League South, and led the team to victory in the Sussex Challenge Cup.
Speaking on her appointment, Lawrence said: “It feels amazing. Being able to get a full-time role in international football, and especially at an association like Wales, with all the excitement around women’s football right now is pretty amazing and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s always been somewhere I’ve been really intrigued by and would have loved to work at during my career. So when the opportunity came to put my name in the hat for this job, it was a bit of a no-brainer.
“I’ve been really lucky with the places I’ve worked. My path has given me opportunities in both youth and senior football, at club and international level. I’ve worked with some amazing people and had chances to explore best practices—what youth players need.
“Having gone through the age groups and experienced senior football at professional and international level, I’ve gained insight into what’s required to succeed at the top. I can now bring that into the youth space, which I think is crucial for this role.
“Hopefully I can help give players the tools they need to transition successfully through the age groups into senior and professional environments.”
Vicki Linton, FAW Head of Player Development (Women & Girls), added: “We are really glad to welcome Natalie as our first full-time WU17 Head Coach. She brings so much experience from the international and professional game that will be such an asset to our programme.
“I know Natalie will be able to settle in quickly with our existing staff and start having an impact within our pathway. It is such an important stage for Women’s football in Wales as we look to build on the legacy of the Cymru Women and their participation in the 2025 WEUROS, and hopefully look towards a home nations Women’s World Cup in 2035.”
